The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1939-04-20
PLANTS FOR PETS
LYDIA LION ROBERTS

at is not possible for us to allow
the children to have cat or dog in
our apartment" said mother regret
fully, "and even a bird does not seem
advisable at present. ] wish there was
something that would take the place
of pets for the children
"Give the children windowsill or
playroom garden" advised an older
friend. "Not only will they enjoy
watching their own plants grow, but
the personal care of them is respon-
sibility desirable for their develop
ment. While plants will not take the
place of pets they will prove hobby
and interests, an opportunity for
natural self-expresson and an excit-
ing diversion"
"Plants are lovely, but | should not
call them exciting" demurred the
mother. 81 don't think my children
would take much interest in them"
1T is all according to how you in
troduce and carry through the idea,"
insisted the friend "To buy plant
at the florist, present it to Johnny or
Jane and say, Now, dear, you must
watch this and take care of it, is
procedure unlikely to produce salts
factory results, an introduction with
out sparkle or adventure. But try TAX
ing Johnny or Jane on a plant shop
| ping trip. Go to several florists, to
the out-of-door department of a big
store, and to the garden gadget
counter of the local five and ten.'
Procure a few flower and novelty
catalogs and discuss the idea of a
childs own plant shelf, to be built up
like a book shelf; discuss it as serious
ly as if you were considering the land
scaping of ten-acre estate"
II suppose we might use fancy
flower pots of bright colors and un-
usual Designs" said the mother
thoughtfully.
"Yes-except that oil paint, varnish
or any finish that will close the pores
Of the flower receptacles should be
avoided. A plant stick topped with
wooden bird or bunny might add to
the attractiveness of the garden" add
ed the friend
Il wonder what kind Of plants the
| children would like BEST" said the
mother. Something odd or rare prob
ably"
''Yes, or something in the nature of
an experiment" said her advisor.
| watch the advertisements in the
| papers and the store windows for
bulbs and seeds that are unusual; try
air plants; miniature Japanese gar
dens that come in lovely containers;
the new lilies arranged to grow from
little birch log; bulbs that will grow
well in a bowl Of stones or colored
shells and water; and perhaps hang
| ing plant. Keep On the lookout for
novelties and let the children send for
some that take their fancy. Even if
the plants do not all grow perfectly
the children will enjoy the experiment
and learn how to follow directions
and plan for certain effects. Remember
the old rhyme about contrary Mary
and her Silver bells and cookie shells
and pretty maids all in row. That
certainly was a strange garden, but
the idea back Of it may we'll be ap-
piled to windowsill or playroom gar
den for the children by finding some
thing different, something that may
bring unexpected changes and fascin-
ating surprises. Once you start on
the trail of odd plants you will be
astonished to find how many discov-
cries you make, and the children will
be delighted, proud of their unique
gardens and keep to watch and work
for pleasing results"