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Garden Family Activities

Nature can be an inspiring force, so it makes sense that people would want to bring a small part of it into their lives through a garden. However, some gardens don't get enough use. A family looking for engaging and interesting ways to spend time together can create a gardening option in its backyard.

Flowering Plants
- The word "garden" can conjure some of the beautiful sculpted gardens at palaces around the world. While you may not have the resources or space to build a topiary maze, you can still do some amazing things with your very own flower garden, like plant a rose garden or arrange bulbs to grow in a certain pattern. Planting, pruning and caring for these flowers can give your family a real sense of pride.
Vegetable Patch
- A vegetable garden is another rewarding project, because you reap edible rewards.
  
  Another common type of garden is full of vegetables. Grow many of the vegetables and spices needed for a pizza, or cultivate some of your favorite produce. You'll have to learn a number of other growing techniques and tools, such as training a plant on a trellis. An herb garden will also reap its own rewards by bringing fresh flavors to your meals. The best part about a veggie patch is that you get to eat the fruit of your labor.
Garden Party
- Throwing horseshoes for sport is a challenging and sociable game.
  
  The backyard garden area is prime territory for a party full of great garden games, like badminton or horseshoes. Invite your friends over, or just have a small party with your family. Serve tea and scones and make it a classy event, or just have some friends over and have a dinner outdoors. Kids may also enjoy an outdoor slumber party. Set up a tent and let them have a night under the stars where you can still see them.
Garden Crafts
- A homemade birdhouse can attract birds to your backyard.
  
  The backyard lends itself to craft ideas you and your kids can make. Make a bird feeder from an old soda bottle, or a bird or bat house out of some wooden planks. You can also press some interesting leaves into clay, or make a scarecrow. If you can't get into your garden during a rainy day, you could make a rain forest in a bottle or a small herb garden in an old egg carton.

Nature