Build a Rock Garden

Materials

• Rocks
• Soil
• Assorted rock plants

Directions

1. Find a sunny spot in the garden or outside, about one square yard (meter).
2. Arrange the rocks in a creative or pleasing mound or as a border, leaving space between them for soil and plants.
3. Half fill the spaces with soil and press firmly into all the nooks and crannies.
4. Water carefully and thoroughly.
5. Add and subtract rocks where the water is running out to make the rock garden watertight.
6. The best plants to put in the rock garden are small or tiny shrubs, miniature bulbs, and annuals and perennials that form low tufts of leaves and flowers.
7. In mild climates, plant succulents and cacti.
8. After planting, add more soil and press firmly.
9. Keep lightly watered and remove weeds as they appear.

Note: Examples of rock garden plants are sedum, phlox, veronia, crocus, alyssum, muscari, primula, viola, and sempervivum.

More on: Outdoor Activities for Children Ages 6-10