Horrifying Spring!!!
Godzilla in the Garden?
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Yes, my heart officially stops beating for two months every spring as I watch little plants emerge and little feet converge. One law of physics I know is that two bodies cannot occupy the same physical space at the same time. Plant stems poking their heads above the soil line must feel much like the little people peering up at the feet of Godzilla as he comes stomping through New York.
Just in case you have not noticed, kids don’t use a "garden" like adults do. Adults love big pretty vistas, and kids love the ant crawling on the sidewalk. Adults walk past and comment on how wonderful the garden looks, while kids run straight for the object of their desire (regardless what might be in their "path").
I discovered that telling kids "no" in the Garden does not work (for very long). Asking a child not dig here or there (especially right where I sowed seeds) is like asking the big Hollywood lizard to not smash cars or pick up helpless pedestrians.
So, what do I do? I change my mindset, place physical barriers and distract them. I must first remember my user. Second, I place bamboo stake and twine fencing around certain areas that come to about waist height on older children. Last of all, I distract them. "Oh, cool, do you hear what I hear? What is that over there?"
Posted by Josh Steffen
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May 3rd, 2008 at 7:33 am
I laughed out loud when I read this post- I know the feeling well- finally most of my backyard garden’s plants are large enough for my three children (and all their friends) to notice! My mantra for the last several weeks has been “Go AROUND the garden!” and my kids (and all their friends) are sick of hearing me explain that if the emerging hosta spikes get stepped on, the leaves will be mangled for the entire season! They still have plenty of opportunities to dig for worms and inspect the springtime happenings, but I hope they are learning to respect the seasons of their garden as well.