Morning Glories and Moonflowers

On an early spring day we got to work on our very own Moonflower Tent, a project we found in the beautiful and inspiring gardening book, Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots by Sharon Lovejoy.

We did the project one step at a time. First we bought the supplies. Then we constructed the tent. That was fun! (Anything that involves construction is a big hit around here.) Then we planted the seeds. We couldn't find Moonflower seeds so we decided to plant Morning Glories instead.

We poked shallow holes in the dirt with the back of a screwdriver. And then Jack put the seeds in. Planting tiny seeds is actually a great activity for excercising the pincer grasp. Picking up the tiny seeds and carefully placing them in the holes requires small, refined hand movements and eye-hand coordination. It is a great way to give the little muscles that will one day be responsible for holding a pencil a workout.

Easier said than done. Sometimes fine motor activities present a greater challenge than expected. I initially presented the seeds in a small dish. But they were super small and slightly wet (we had soaked them overnight to help them germinate) and very difficult (and frustrating) for Jack to get a grip on. So I quickly separated the seeds into the compartments of a mini ice cube tray to help him pick them up one at a time. Much better!

Backfilling the holes was Jack's favorite part. We LOVE dirt around here. Oh, and watering with the garden hose (another great hand strengthening activity, by the way) is always a delight.

A couple of days after we spotted our first Morning Glory seedling, we found Moonflower seeds at the store. So we decided to plant them too. Those seeds were much bigger and easier for Jack to handle. Maybe we'll have a 24-hour flower tent when we finally get the climbing blooms we are hoping for. I will keep you updated as we grow!

We have been up to our elbows in dirt with all of our gardening projects so far this spring. I will post about more of them soon.

Has anyone else caught the gardening bug?

Comments

[The Artful Parent]

Looks great! We planted morning glories and moonflowers together all around our front porch and can't wait until they cover it! Haven't tried a tent yet, but I think I ought to... -Jean

[Amy @ Let's Explore]

I'm thinking a moonflower tent is in our future -- how fun is that? :)

[Jody]

Welcome back to blogland!
We are making a natural tent as well. I hope ours turns out. Yours looks great!

[Connie]

This looks awesome!

I have added this book to my list of ones that I want to buy!

[Sharon Lovejoy]

GOOD GIRL!! this is such a great learning experience.

Yes, those tiny seeds are tough for tots to handle. Maybe next year plant gourds on your tepee (here I am planning ahead). The gourds were a HUGE hit with all the children and then there was their harvest, drying, decorating, and turning them into treasure boxes and bird houses.

Thanks for mentioning my book Roots Shoots Buckets & Boots.

All joys to you,

Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island