Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Grow A Green Centerpiece


Here's a fun project for you and the children or, quite frankly, just for you. You can grow a grassy green centerpiece for your table. Here's what you need: go to the garden store and get a little container of grass seed, some potting soil, and a spray bottle. At home find a basket or other container to grow the grass in and a plastic bag for lining your container (by the way, even though I'm very good now about using my Envirosax every time I go shopping, I find that plastic grocery bags make their way into the house anyway--they're ubiquitous! Either Ken goes shopping or someone else brings things over . . . oh well). Next, fill your container with potting soil, then sprinkle on a nice coating of grass seed all the way to the edges, and cover with a little coating of more potting soil. Then spray spray spay with your mister. I think the spray bottle is a big part of the fun of this project. There's no way you're going to over water by misting so you or your child can spray away everytime you think of it. The grass will sprout in about a week or so--it's fun to watch it fill in so gradually.
A little basket of grass can also be part of the spring nature table. We have herbs growing in an egg carton here too.
Just for fun I planted chamomile, basil, dill, thyme, and oregano. We don't really start our herbs from seed--Ken buys plants at the garden center; these are just for fun on the nature table and who knows, maybe they'll transfer to the outdoor garden successfully.
Dieter planted his seeds in these paper cups.
Waiting to sprout in the window.

I'm posting early this morning because it's an outpatient surgery day for little Rainer. We're leaving here at 6am. He'll have a bone marrow aspiration and a spinal tap (to deliver chemo medication to his spinal fluid). After we get the bone marrow results back we'll know if he needs two more weeks on induction. If not, he'll move into the next phase of his treatment. This all went very smoothly two weeks ago, so we're optimistic it will again. My mom is coming up to take the other children to school. Happy Wednesday, everyone!

13 comments:

amy turn sharp said...

prayers for you all xoxoxoxo
lovely grass!

Meg said...

The grass is a neat idea--I wish our lawn looked as nice!

I'll say prayers for you and Rainer today.

kirsten said...

i've been wanting to do this for YEARS. this year i might actually do it! thanks for the reminder, yours is beautiful, and good luck today!

jessica said...

what a great idea. And all the best to Rainer today!

Laura said...

Morning prayer today includes special prayers for Rainer.

From one mother to another~ thinking of you.

Kelli said...

Prayers sent your way for a good day

tess said...

hope the appointment went well, love your little inside lawn!

Sarah said...

Sending lots of good thoughts your way!

Heids said...

Have you all in my prayers.

I remember growing sunflowers on the window sill of our play room and watching them lean towards the sun - such a simple and joyous pleasure.

Anonymous said...

never met, never even commented, but your sweet little boy and family are in my thoughts all the time. congratulations on the good news! i also love this mini lawn idea - i can't wait to do this.

Mary Elizabeth said...

just found your site through soule mama. I love it ! Our sweet 3 year old neighbor was diagnosed with leukemia 2 weeks ago. I now have insight into what it is like for his family. Thanks for sharing. What is the nicest thing someone has done for you family during this time? I wan to help them but no be intrusive.

Mary Beth said...

Hi Tam. Thanks for the nice comments about my blog. . . I am so sorry to hear about your 3 year old neighbor! So sad. The nicest thing has been people bringing meals over. Maybe not everyone would want that, but for me it takes a big stress out of the equation in the evenings. So maybe you could offer that.

pink and green mama MaryLea said...

Beautiful post and lovely nature project. I love anything garden related for my kiddos to do with me.
Here's hoping all went well for Rainer.
xoxo