Lawrence Kids Spring '21

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Lawrence Kids Spring 2021

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Lawrence Kids Spring 2021 Season’s Readings

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April Showers Bring... May Allergies? 10 Seasonal Essentials / The Pool Family 14 A Flag for Everyone 22 Climbing the Walls 24 The Coolest Kid in Town 28 A Garden of Their Own 34

cover photo: Amber Yoshida a project of Four Birds Media info@lawrencekidsmagazine.com (785) 766-5669 Thank you for reading.

All content property of Four Birds Media. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.



Dr. Malani Kuiper M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Kristen Jacobs M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Eleni Grammatikopoulou M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Sara Nelson M.D., F.A.A.P.

Dr. Ann Novosel M.D., F.A.A.P.

Gretchen Wells APRN


BRACES to fit your LIFESTYLE



Season’s Readings

by Dan Coleman from the Lawrence Public Library Happy Springtime!, by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Sujean Rim Those of us weary of winter have no further to look than the pages of this free verse homage to everything great about spring (including a bit of science explaining just what makes it so). McMullan and husband Jim’s series of picture books about large vehicles (I Stink!, I’m Dirty!, etc.) have been crowd-pleasers for years, and water colorist Rim’s bright illustrations make this seasonal celebration stand out. The Spring Book, by Todd Parr Todd Parr is better known for his picture books about feelings and family, but lately he has turned his colorful faux naive style to natural subjects. While bright yellow backgrounds and faces without noses may not be my thing, Parr’s illustrations hypnotized my kids when they were preschoolers, and they really do work in this new ode to spring. Where else can you see a purple-faced kid, an earthworm with a bow (in its hair?), a skunk wearing polka-dotted undies, and a three-eyed alien standing in a field of shamrocks? Only the skunk has a nose. A lot to ponder here. How a Seed Grows, by Helene Jordan, illustrated by Loretta Krupinski Back to the basics with this simple explanation of what may be spring’s greatest miracle. Gardening with Emma: Grow and Have Fun: A Kid to Kid Guide, by Emma Biggs There are a lot of great gardening books for kids out there, but this is the best, because it’s actually written by a kid. Emma Biggs makes it all look fun and totally doable, from hand-drawn garden plans to harvest. Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera, by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann This book recently won the Sibert Medal, the ALA’s highest award for children’s nonfiction, but its beautiful illustrations would have made it a worthy winner of the Caldecott, too. In telling the life story of a honeybee, it comes as close to an immersive experience as a picture book can, and will leave you seeing something new next time a bee buzzes by. Rain!, by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Christian Robinson A grumpy old man harrumphs, an excited young boy exclaims, and they say the same word: “Rain!” What happens when they meet? This sweet story reminds us there is no better place to look for a silver lining than a spring rain

cloud. I Am the Storm, by Jane Yolen, Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illlustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell Sometimes weather is too exciting. This book reassures kids about severe weather, including our own spring menace, the tornado. I sure could have used it when my daughter was a toddler afraid of nighttime thunderstorms, and the best I could do was crank up her white noise machine, which always seemed like a great idea until I remembered the sound it made was rainfall. Look Up!: Birdwatching in Your Backyard, by Annette Cate This general guide to get kids birding, beginning in their own yards, makes it look so fun that parents may find themselves reaching for binoculars. Cate illustrates the book in an appealing style reminiscent of Gary Larson’s The Far Side comics, except her birds, while they do talk, are accurately drawn and identifiable by species. The Backyard Birdsong Guide: A Guide to Listening, by Donald Kroodsma, illustrated by Larry McQueen and Jon Janosik If kids are going birding, they need to learn to use their ears, too. Flip to a page and dial up the number on the small digital audio device attached to this book, and you’ve got a bird singing along as you read about it. Fair warning: The family cat might also join you. Those Darn Squirrels!, by Adam Rubin, Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri Why should baby birds and bunnies get all the love in springtime? What about those twitchy jerks who take single bites out of your tomatoes and chew holes in the roof? Kids don’t seem to mind squirrels as much as adults do, and Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri, better known for their Dragons Love Tacos books, have got it covered with this and several more adventures of “those darn squirrels.” National Geographic Kids Get Outside Guide: All Things Adventure, Exploration, and Fun!, by Nancy Honovich and Julie Beer No one knows outside like National Geographic, who published this book of ideas for kids to get out and do stuff instead of watching people on YouTube do very little. The book is broken up into various habitats (water, woods, etc.) with activities suggested for each. Hike, by Pete Oswald The only thing left to do now is get out there and go.


April Showers Bring...

May Allergies?

Helpful hints from Dr. Ann Novosel and her crew at Lawrence Pediatrics


I love spring. It’s that time of the year when the temperatures are warm, but not too warm. The trees are in bloom. Daffodils and tulips are blossoming. Everything is becoming green again. It’s a beautiful time of the year. For many people, spring is also the time of the year when pesky allergy symptoms return or, for our kids, may start for the first time. Have you noticed your child sneezing more frequently with the change in the seasons? Have you seen her rubbing her eyes or nose more frequently? How about dark circles under his eyes or a crease across the bridge of his nose? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, your child may be suffering from environmental allergies. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, allergic rhinitis, also known as seasonal allergies or hay fever, affects ten percent to 30 percent of individuals worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 7.1 million US children reported respiratory allergy symptoms in the past year. We can all agree that allergies are very common, but what are they exactly? What are allergies? Allergies refer to the sneezing, runny nose, scratchy throat, and itchy, watery eyes that can arise throughout the year, depending on an individual’s triggers. These triggers can include pollen, mold, pet dander and saliva, or dust mites. While most people can breathe in these substances without having symptoms, the immune systems of people with allergies see these things as harmful and mount a response to protect the body. You may have heard your pediatrician refer to the “atopic triad,” which refers to the combination of asthma, eczema, and allergies. All these diagnoses are caused by your child’s immune system overreacting to environmental triggers. Knowing when your child’s allergy symptoms are the worst can be key to determining their triggers. Tree pollen is often the cause of spring allergies, grass pollen is associated with summer allergies, and pollen from weeds is associated with fall allergies. Pet dander, mold, and dust mite allergies tend to cause symptoms year-round. Sometimes, knowing the time of the year of symptoms may not tell the whole story, however, as many kids have allergies to multiple substances. Our discussion so far has addressed environmental allergies, which includes seasonal allergies. The body can also have allergic reactions to foods, medications, insect stings, or other triggers that can cause more severe symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. This type of allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis and is a whole other article. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately! What can I do to help my child’s allergy symptoms? The most effective way to treat allergies is to avoid them entirely. If you know that your child is allergic to dog dander, avoid being around dogs. If cats trigger symptoms, then having a cat as a family pet may not be the best idea, depending

on severity of symptoms. There are other allergens, however, like pollen and dust mites, that are difficult to avoid. If dust mites are a problem, try dust mite mattress and pillow protectors. For pollen allergies, keeping the windows of your house and car closed during their worst allergy seasons can be helpful. If your child’s symptoms are affecting their everyday life, it is time to visit your pediatrician. Fortunately, there are lots of options to treat allergy symptoms. Medical care is individualized, and everyone’s bodies respond a little differently to medications. Work with your pediatrician to find the best combination of medications to treat your child’s allergies. Depending on the severity of allergy symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment, your doctor may recommend seeing an allergist for testing. Some individuals even benefit from allergy immunotherapy to treat their allergy symptoms by regular exposure to triggers in the form of allergy shots. Cigarette smoke is notorious for being an allergen and worsening existing allergy and asthma symptoms. Second-hand smoke exposure, and even third-hand exposure from residue left on clothing, can trigger symptoms. If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your child’s allergies and asthma is to quit smoking. If you need any resources or help to quit smoking, talk to your doctor. They will be happy to help! How can I keep my kids healthy this spring? It is important for kids to get outside and play with these warmer temperatures. Spring is a great time to go on walks as a family, take a bike ride, or play catch in the yard or park. If allergy symptoms are preventing your child from enjoying outdoor activities, please see your pediatrician. Also, this spring, with COVID still a present danger, it is important to continue washing your hands, wearing a mask, and social distancing. When the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to you and your loved ones, get it. Let’s do our part to stop this pandemic!


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Seasonal Essentials Audrey and Matt Pool have a busy house. With four kids Simon (17), Bennett (13), Cora (9), and Annie (3), two working parents, and a revoling door of foster pets, the crew spends as much time together as possible. Here’s how the Pools make the most of spring in Lawrence. photos by Amber Yoshida





1.) Puppy Raise - We love to take our puppy-in-training, Wilson, out and about in the community. Wilson is a six-month-old purebred golden retriever on loan from Kansas Specialty Dog Services (KSDS). We practice manners, patience, greetings, how to behave in public, potty training, and many other skills that puppies-in-training need in order to become a life partner. You will often find us wandering the aisles of Target together. We also enjoy fun trips to the dog park! After he is with us for eighteenish months, he will travel to Topeka Correctional Facility for his intermediate training and later his college training will be back at KSDS. We fully believe that by raising a puppy, we can change a life. We know it will be hard to let him go, but he has a destiny and a mission in life. 2.) Volunteer Foster - Last summer we began our journey as a Lawrence Humane Society foster family. We have fostered kittens, puppies, a chocolate lab, and even some adult cats. The shelter provides all materials to raise a happy and healthy animal. You receive free training, food, bowls, toys, litter, and any other items needed in order to give a shelter pet a temporary home and respite from a cage. So far we have a 100% success rate in finding all of our foster babies a home and haven’t foster failed (yet!). We’re still undecided on our newest tiny puppy, Roxie. Anybody looking for a sweet and adorable puppy? You’ll just have to convince my daughters to let her go. Kitten season is coming quickly, so fill out an application soon! Who doesn’t love playing with kittens for a few weeks? 3.) Parents as Teachers Online Group Connections and Playgroups - Shameless plug for my work and something that is very close to my heart. Parents as Teachers offers free and personalized (virtual) home visits in order to help all children ages birth to three grow and develop. In addition to home visits, we offer monthly group connections. We join together to read books, make crafts, and sing songs. It’s super fun and free for anyone. We are all first-time parents in this pandemic. College graduates, high school parents, physicians, lawyers, basically EVERYONE benefits when it comes to being better caregivers for our little ones. 4.) Plant Flowers - We love all things green and rainbows at our house. We take weekly trips to Jungle House and Howard Pine’s Garden Center and Greenhouse for all our flower needs. We are all currently counting down the days until all our houseplants can go outside. This is the first year that we also grabbed free seeds from the Lawrence Public Library. We are excited to try some new flowers this year. 5.) Virtual Library Storytime - We love to catch Ms. Linda’s special virtual storytime. We also try really hard to swing in the library and grab the free materials for the arts and crafts. My three-year-old daughter lives and to make messes, so this is the perfect excuse to let her be creative and turn off the Disney+ app for a while. 6.) Get Outside - Our favorite trail to walk is the pond at Hutton Farms. We love to walk around the pond, fish, throw rocks, find frogs, and chalk the walk. You also might catch us convincing Wilson that he doesn’t need to swim. 7.) Kayaking at Clinton Lake - Two summers ago, we had the most epic dumpster find. A neighbor was moving and left two kayaks in their trash. We love to drop in right before sunset and paddle around the lake. The water is like glass and the sunsets are so peaceful. We have life jackets for everyone and waterproof cases for our phones. If we don’t Instagram it, did it really happen? 8.) House Projects - This past year, Matt quit his full-time job and is working hard to build his handyman business. From painting, to tiling, to building decks, to burying trampolines, he can do it all! The bad news is that I have to wait for him to get around to my projects. I’m currently begging him to put in a swimming pool but I will probably settle for installing a new fence. He wants to add on to our garage for all his tools. This works for me, because then I can add more grow lights for my overwintering plants! 9.) Take Photos - Babies, plants, puppies, and rainbows make me happy and you’ll find all of that on my social media. From everyday silliness to major milestones, I try and capture it all. My kids LOVE wearing masks because then they don’t have to smile at me.



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A Flag for Everyone

At Billy Mills Middle School, all students are made to feel at home.

When Dr. Andrew Taylor started his tenure as principal at Billy Mills Middle School he wanted to make sure all the students felt welcomed in the building. “Listen, kids face enough challenges today,” Dr. Taylor said. “I mean, even before the pandemic took so much away from the kids, we wanted to recognize each student and their unique story. We are a diverse community and we want to celebrate that, so we have a flag to recognize the birth country of all of our students.” Dr. Taylor had the idea while working in the Kansas City, Kansas school district and was quick to implement the plan. He sent an email to all students and their families asking for countries and was determined to raise a flag for each unique response. “I think it’s pretty cool,” he said. “We have, I think twenty-nine different countries represented, including indigenous nations. Since all these kids are in this school, it helps emphasize the idea that even though we’re different, we can work on unity and respect. The kids seem to pick up on that.” Billy Mills has slowly been welcoming more and more students back for in-person class since February. Dr. Taylor said that once they started to hang flags, kids started to express more interest. “A few kids would even ask about the flags,” Dr. Taylor laughs. “I got a few ‘Hey, what’s that one?’ If that’s what it takes to start a conversation, I’m thrilled.” Dr. Taylor says that if a small gesture like hanging a flag can make a kid feel a bit more comfortable in school, then he’ll raise as many as it takes. “Kids have enough challenges these days,” he said. “If we can do something to make coming into the school a more welcoming environment, then we’ll do it.”



Climbing

the Walls

A new business is banking on your kid’s passion for climbing.



It’s a tale as old as time: a frustrated parent pleads with their children. “Please. Stop. Climbing. On. The. Furniture.”

about ‘bouldering’ and telling me about all the terms and how to climb safely and asking when they could go back.”

Climb Lawrence, a new climbing gym in downtown Lawrence, is taking that plea and adding crags, crimps, and heel hooks to help challenge your child. Oh, and they are providing dozens of walls to climb and an abundance of padding and safety measures.

Mylander says that reaction is pretty typical.

“This is absolutely a place for kids,” Climb Lawrence general manager DeAnna Mylander says enthusiastically. “Having kids learn how to climb was always a consideration when we were putting this together. When we were designing the walls and the routes we always kept in mind how kids and kid classes would work with the plans.” While the gym is usually full of climbers twenty years old and older, Climb Lawrence hosts classes catered to younger climbers every weekday. Classes, called camps, range from simple bouldering to more advance repelling and holds and are available for children as young as five years old. The camps introduce kids to the sport and teach them terms and techniques while letting them get a little wild (supervised, of course). “My girls absolutely love it,” explains Casey Wallace, a mother of eight and nine-year-old daughters. “I’m always looking for new and interesting experiences for my kids and this was certainly not something they had done before. I wasn’t sure they’d enjoy it because they’ve never done any climbing, but after their first class they were beaming. They wouldn’t stop talking

“I don’t think we’ve ever had a kid try climbing and not want to come back,” she says with a laugh. “That’s important to us. We want kids to love this. If we can get them moving and keep them motivated, climbing can be a long-term passion. No two climbing sessions are alike so I think that helps keep kids interested.” Wallace says her girls are hooked. “I’m really happy they love it,” she says with a laugh. “Climbing around the gym certainly helps them burn off some of the energy they have stored.” Eventually, Mylander says, Climb Lawrence would like to form and support a competitive climbing team. There are two seasons of competitive climbing: bouldering and sport climbing, and kids of all ages compete. “We think we’ll be able to develop enough interest and talent to support a competitive team,” she says. All youth programs run in eight-week sessions. Class costs include instruction, gear rentals during class, membership during session, and two guest passes. LK

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The Coolest Kid in Town Lawrence Kid Nicholas Parscale rubs elbows with celebrities, hosts a popular podcast, and has published a book. photos by Amber Yoshida





Nicholas Parscale is like most eighth grade boys. He’s into music and hanging out with his friends. He likes watching TV and movies and especially loves animals and the Kansas Jayhawks. And, of course, Nicholas likes to text his friends. Unlike most eighth grade boys, Nicholas’s friend list includes people like Bill Self, Paul Rudd, and Wendi McLendon-Covey. But, when you’re a published author and the host of a popular podcast, you tend to attract celebrities. Did we mention Nicholas is the coolest kid in Lawrence? “I like to talk to people,” Nicholas explains with a matter-offact tone. “I always have. I’m a good storyteller and I like to hear other people’s stories too. So that’s why I talk to people.” About five years ago, Nicholas was on vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, and he was feeling a little tired and having some headaches. When the family returned to Lawrence, he was not feeling well at all, and the migraines had gotten worse. “I didn’t know what to think,” says Geri Parscale, Nicholas’s mom. “Sometimes you need a vacation from your vacation. I thought maybe he was just worn out from the fun of vacation. But we got back to town on Thursday night and we went to the doctor on Friday and Nick received some shots to help with the migraines. Things progressed pretty quickly after that.” The shots on Friday morning didn’t help, so that Saturday Nicholas was ordered to Lawrence Memorial Hospital for a CT scan, which revealed fluid on his brain. Sunday morning Nicholas was in Children’s Mercy for brain surgery to reroute the fluid and additional testing revealed pineoblastoma, a type of brain cancer. “To say it takes your breath away isn’t totally accurate,” Geri says. “We were on vacation and four days later Nicholas is having brain surgery. I don’t know how anyone could be ready for that. It was Nicholas’s attitude that helped me, and everyone I think, get our heads around the situation and stay positive. He wouldn’t let anyone get down. That’s how he is. He’s the most positive person I’ve ever met.” Nick went through a year of chemotherapy and radiation and another MRI that revealed no cancer. Nine months after that encouraging news, the cancer returned with seven tumors detected. Nicholas won that battle and again an MRI showed no cancer. Though Nicholas is obviously a tenacious fighter, cancer is a formidable foe and has returned. A few years ago, Nicholas was a guest on entrepreneur Mark Evans’ podcast. The experience was so much fun Nicholas quickly told his mom he wanted to start a podcast of his own. Mark got in touch with a podcast producer and soon “Nick the Brave: My Story of Chemo, Kitties, and Canines Podcast” debuted. The episodes feature Nicholas interviewing people he admires and those that have a positive outlook. Guest have included actors, athletes, entrepreneurs, educators, doctors, and anyone Nicholas thinks is interesting. “He thinks of all the questions and does all the interviews on

his own,” Geri says. “It’s such a hoot to see him interact with all these people. He gets such a kick out of the conversations and really loves doing the podcasts.” To Nicholas, talking with people about things they like is natural and something he loves to do. “Like I said, I love to talk to people,” he says. “It’s a lot of fun to do the podcast. I really enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories and how they stay positive.” In early March, Nicholas scored his biggest goal of the podcast when he interviewed KU basketball coach Bill Self. The conversation was natural and the two have since kept in touch and become friends. “I’ve known Nick for two or three months,” Coach Self says. “Nick and I did a podcast together a couple months ago and I was so impressed with him as a young man with his personality and courage. He has been one of the biggest supporters and encouragers of us during the last half of the season. I just admire so much the courage that he and his family have shown.” A few years ago, Nicholas was a guest of honor at Kansas City’s Big Slick, a fundraiser for Children’s Mercy Hospital. At a reception that featured dozens of celebrities and socialites, Nicholas was the most popular person in the room. “I guess you could say I like to work the room,” he says with a laugh. “What can I say? I like to talk. So when I’m in a room with new people, I talk to them.” Geri recalls a lady she had never met speaking to her about Nicholas. Apparently, Nicholas had talked to her already and explained some plans. “She asked me if I was excited about Nick’s book,” Geri laughs. “I told her I didn’t know he was writing a book and she explained that he was just telling her all about it. So, soon after that he started working on his book.” Nicholas had dozens and dozens of Zoom meetings with a ghostwriter during which he would just tell stories about his life and his hopes. The book, What I Wish I Knew Before Cancer: A Young Man’s Memoir, was published this year and has been a big hit (it was sold out on Amazon for a bit). In the book, Nicholas talks about how he stays positive through all the adversity he has faced and sums up what’s he’s learned on his journey. “I guess I should have known as soon as he said he wanted to write a book that he would do it,” Geri says. “There’s no stopping him when he sets his mind to something, that’s for sure.” Nicholas has one simple message to anyone interested. “Cancer sucks,” he says emphatically. “That’s the main thing I want to share. I mean it really sucks, but that doesn’t stop me from staying positive. Anyone can be positive. You just have to go easy on yourself and be thankful for what you have.”



A Garden of Their Own story and photos by Rebecca Zarazan Dunn

I cannot say exactly how nature exerts its calming and organizing effects on our brains, but I have seen in my patients the restorative and healing powers of nature and gardens, even for those who are deeply disabled neurologically. In many cases, gardens and nature are more powerful than any medication. – Oliver Sacks “But we need to make a bouquet! Really quick! It will only take a minute!” pleaded my oldest countless times before lunch last summer upon calling them indoors to eat. They’d run to their own little gardens and pick yellow firework heads of dill flowers and breezy, cupcake-liner-looking cosmos for a proper, elegant place setting. I would joke we’ve become so fancy during the pandemic. This was our privilege. Safe and healthy. A fruitful distraction from the world around us. “I’m going to check on my garden” became synonymous with sneaking coveted cherry tomatoes from Mom’s garden. When we all found ourselves at home last March, I set up a small patch of land in the backyard they could call their own. Using seeds from The Kaw Valley Seed Fair, attended the month prior to the shutdown, and a few varieties from Baker Creek, their inspiration sparked. They carefully planned their gardens with markers and a rainbow collage made from old seed catalogs. It was exciting, and that excitement carried into planting one warm day in early May. What I didn’t expect was the care that went into nurturing their little gardens, and the time spent in them provided a great deal of comfort and hope. As their tending continued and they witnessed the growth, so their pride also grew, and the worry of the outside world fell away. After all, sunflowers are a good shield for monsters and a bright star in a time of grief. This pandemic has taken its toll on both caregivers and their children. It was a long winter. It has been a long year. If you’re looking for an interruption in these times we find ourselves in, try growing a garden together. Or better yet give them a garden of their very own. Here are some steps on how to get started: Growing a Garden Of Their Own 1. Seeds - You need seeds. If you order seeds, prepare to wait and opt for purchasing seeds that can be planted later in the spring. The seed industry is trying their best to keep up with the nation’s demand over the last year and the surging, new interest in gardening. My favorite seed vendors to order from are Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, MIGardener, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Botanical Interests, and Renee’s Garden Seeds. I highly recommend shopping local by visiting Cottin’s Hardware or The Merc, both

of which carry seeds from Lawrence’s own seed company, Buffalo Seed Company. A FREE option is to select seeds from the Lawrence Public Library’s Seed Library. Some seeds are easier to grow that others, while others take weeks of TLC. 2. Read the Instructions - After you and your young gardener acquire some seeds, read the back of the seed packets aloud together. And then read them again. This will let you know when to plant your seeds. Some seeds need to be planted indoors weeks before our last frost date, and others like to be planted directly outside after. You can find your region’s last frost date on The Farmer’s Almanac website. 3. Make a Plan - Where will the garden grow? How much space do the plants need? How much sunlight? Are you planting a garden in containers or in the ground? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to prepare a place for your garden. Have your young gardener draw out a picture of what they want their garden to look like. This is one part following instructions, one part dreamtime! Garden inspiration can be found in garden books at the library or online. Prepare the container or land where you’re planning to plant. YouTube is a great tool for how to achieve specific goals. The City of Lawrence offers free compost and mulch on Saturdays (there’s a small fee for a truck load or larger). Pots and containers can be found secondhand. Tools can be borrowed or rented from Cottin’s Hardware. A beautiful garden can be made with little expense. 4. Patience - Plant your seeds according to their instructions, water, and wait. Water some more and wait again. Waiting is not easy. Waiting is never easy! At least for me it isn’t, and especially when waiting for plants to grow. But when you finally see the little green sprouts come up from the earth, it’s magic. Encourage your young gardener to do the tending and the watering. They might forget and need to be reminded. They’ll make mistakes. That’s okay. It’s part of the process. 5. Enjoy - There’s a sense of independence and accomplishment that comes with maintaining a little garden. The first flower to bloom is a thrill. The taste of food you grew with your own hands is also a thrill. Additionally, garden treasures become gifts to share. That’s one of the best parts about gardening— the opportunity for sharing. Sharing is a sacrament of gardeners old and new. Curiosity lives in the garden as well. Especially since their colors and scents invite beneficial pollinator friends to feast. Everyone wins.


Drs. Newkirk, Adams and Willms


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