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20 Hudson Valley Parent n March 2016 fed insects so you don't want to use toxic sprays in your garden," she says. "You can also plant a variety of perennial flowers that will bloom at different times so there is always col- or for you and food for pollinators," Greenberg adds. Keep it simple by giving young children their own gardening space and letting them choose what they want to plant. Watson suggests picking plant varieties that also work with your housing situation. If you live in an apartment or do not have any extra land for garden- ing, consider joining a local farm plant material in garden beds or cut back any brush encroachments to get better light and the kids can help with the cleanup. Preparation is just as important as caring for the plants and imparts a sense of responsibility. To make it even more fun, when deciding what to do take cues from your children. "Observe the plants they like best and plant more," Greenberg says. Watson adds that children are never too young to learn. "My youngest can bring out a basket and pick tomatoes and green beans," he says. "It sparks curiosity with her even if she eats more than she brings in." It's important to make the area safe for children by selecting the correct-sized tools, keeping sprays and fertilizers out of their reach and securing the fences and gates around the property. If you are gardening in really hot weather, make sure to provide your children with some shade while they work and that they wear a hat and sunscreen. Keep drowning dangers to a minimum by not leaving buckets of water around very young children. Projects to peruse According to Greenberg, there are lots of projects you can do with your children to introduce them to gardening and wildlife. "Plant dogwood, bayberry, haw- thorn, blueberry and crabapple to watch adult birds flock to the ber- ries," she said. "Put up nesting boxes for bluebirds and tree swallows, but remember that that baby birds are Flowers bring all kinds of beauty to your garden, including monarch butterflies like this one, perching on New York Ironweed. Add a touch of "Nature is welcomed here" variety to any wildlife garden you plant with your kids with a birdhouse or two. Photo by Francis Groeters of Catskill Native Nursery Photo by Francis Groeters of Catskill Native Nursery GARDENING WITH KIDS (Continued from Page 19) Let Van Vliet Orthodontics be the future of your smile! 19 Woodside Place, Highland, NY 12528 (845) 691-8330 Dr. Van Vliet and his team focus on the latest technology in orthodontic care including: 3D Imaging 3D Intraoral Scanning 3D SureSmile Results Call today for a complimentary consultation