by Lyn Lomasi

Kids can garden, too!
It might seem that gardening is too complicated for kids, but that isn't true at all. In fact, kids can be some good horticulturists if given the chance.

There are plants that grow well in Houston and are easy for kids to garden and maintain. Start kids out in gardening with the easiest plants and let them work their way up from there. 

Before getting your Houston kids gardening, be sure they have the essential supplies. Suggested gardening supplies include tools, gloves, proper soil and food for the plants, a child-sized wheelbarrow and desired garden decorations. Houston soil is more like clay, so good garden soil is recommended for the best results.

Sunflowers
Sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers for kids to start out with. They come in various sizes, making them versatile to grow, no matter the size of the garden bed. Sunflowers thrive in the warm Houston climate.

Portulaca
Portucala, also known as moss rose, is a fun and interesting plant for the kids to grow. The unique shape and texture of this flower delight kids, as do the colors. Portulaca is a good flower to grow in Houston because it blossoms in the sun.

Vinca
Vinca are a favorite of my own kids. These were some of the first flowers they planted in Houston and they continue to come up each year. Not only are Vinca beautiful, but they grow very fast in Houston. Kids can sometimes be a little impatient, so Vinca can help in that area. Our vincas bloom almost the entire year in Houston because of the favorable weather.

Herbs
Herbs are very simple to grow in most any climate. They can be grown outdoors or in a window box container. Herbs need good sunlight to grow, which makes them perfect for Houston. It can make kids feel special when their parents use the herbs they've grown to make family meals.

Chives
Chives often grow wild in Houston, but if your yard doesn't have any, this is one of the simplest plants for kids to grow. Like the herbs, chives can grow outside or in a window box. Give the chives plenty of water and sunshine for the best results. As with the herbs, kids love it when their chive plants are used in the cooking. We like to use them in homemade salsa, chili, and other Tex-Mex dishes.

by Jaipi Sixbear

Ready to get out of Denver for the weekend? Why not take a fall camping trip to see the biggest pile of sand ever? Camping is available year round at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Mosca, Colorado. These dunes are the largest in the nation, some measuring over 750 feet.

The Great Sand Dunes were and are formed by the erosion of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountains. The wind carries the sand to this location in the San Luis valley naturally. Two winds meet here, carrying the sand, which drops to the ground below.

The scenery at the dunes is always changing due to the blowing and drifting sand. No picture justifies the Great Sand Dunes, which are set against a beautiful mountain backdrop. In the fall, the colors of the dark blue snow capped mountain contrast with autumn leaves and glistening sand for an unmatched setting.

Why camp in the Denver city limits when this beautiful national monument is so close to home? If you live in Denver and have never seen the Great Sand Dunes, this is a great weekend excursion. Do a little fall camping here before warm weather takes its' final bow.

Fall weather in the Great Sand Dunes fluctuates. There will be hot days where the sand burns your toes. Don't wear sandals, for just this reason. There will also be days that are quite chilly in the fall. Snow is a real possibility at this altitude. Check the weather prior to venturing out.

The nicest thing about fall camping at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is that the summer crowds have dissipated. Medano creek is very popular with the summer fun crowd but there are some fall days when the creek provides a nice cool off too.

In addition to the dunes, the Great Sand Dunes park features grasslands, shrub lands and wetlands to explore. There are horseback riding trails, educational programs, tours, hiking and special kids events.
Don't forget the sand boarding, sledding and skiiing available on the dunes themselves.

For information on fall camping at the Great Sand Dunes go here. You will also find information on all the available activities at the same website. Don't forget to check for “things to know before you come”. This is a very helpful guide on safety and other considerations for visitors.