Milford chronicle., 1939-06-09
PLANTS FOR PETS
By Lydia Lion Roberts

1T is not possible for us to allow
the children to have a cat or dog in
our apartment" said a mother re-
gretfully, "and even a bird does not
seem advisable at present. l wish
there was something that would take
the place of pets for the children"
Give the children a windowsill or
playrOom garden" advised an older
friends. mot only will they enjoy
watching their own plants grow, but
the personal care of them is a re-
spOnsibility desirable for their devel-
opment. While plants will not take
the place of pets they will prove a
hobby and interest. an opportunity
for natural self-expression and an
exciting diversion"
plants are lovely. but should
not call them exciting" demurred
the mother. Il don't think my chill
dren would take much interest in
them"
1T is all according to how you in
troduce and carry through the idea"
insisted the friend. ITO buy a 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 satis-
factory results, an introduction with
out sparkle or adventure. But try
taking Johnny or Jane on a plant
shopping trip. Go to several florists,
to the out-Of-door department of a
big store, and to the garuen gaSget
counter of the local five and ten
Procure a few flower and novelty
catalogs and discuss the idea of a
child's own plant shelf, to be built
up like a book shelf; discuss it as
seriously as if you were considering
the landscaping of a ten-acre es-
tate"
Il suppose we might use fancy
flower pots of bright colors and un-
usual designs" said the mother
thoughtfully.
"Yes-except that oil paint. var
nish or any finish that will close the
pores of the flower receptacles
should be avoided. A plant stick top
ped with a wooden bird or bunny
might add to the attractiveness OF
the garden" added the friend.
Il wonder what kind of plants the
children would like best" said the
mother. Something odd or rare
probably"
"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 .
gardens that come in lovely con-
tainers; the new lilies arranged to
grow from a little birch log; bulbs
that will grow well in a bowl of
stones or eolored shells and water;
and perhaps a hanging 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 un0 plan
for certain effects. Remember the old
rhyme about contrary Mary and her
Silver bells and cookie shells and
pretty maids all in a row. That GER
.ainly was a strange garden, but the
dea back of it may well be applied
o a windowsill or playroom garden
or the children by finding some
hing different, something that may
,ring unexpected changes and fas'
,inating surprises. Once you start on
he trail of odd plants you will be
lstonished to find how many discov-
,ries you make. and the children will
,e delighted, proud of their unique
,ardens and keen to watch and work
or nleasing results"