Roses have an ageless appeal, and whether young or old the perfume of a rose is irresistible Here are some fun ways to share a love of roses with your kids.
The time children spend outdoors in nature play has been steadily declining. Encouraging them to put down their cell phones and be active in nature, to explore the natural environment and have pure adventures, builds physically and mentally healthier children.
Growing roses seems such a grown-up activity, but roses can be just as fascinating for kids, even if it is just pulling a rose bloom apart and happily scattering the petals far and wide.
The first step is to get the kids out into the garden. Start with easy tasks like helping mum with the watering or picking flowers. If your child enjoys nothing else, playing with the hose or the watering can be a real highlight.
When picking flowers together take time to wander through the garden and observe the different colours, shapes and sizes of the rose blooms. Why not use it as an opportunity for the children to learn about the colour wheel and the different colours that work together.
Find out what colours appeal and why. As a parent you may find yourself learning more about your children.
Kids love to get their hands dirty and playing with soil is fun. It can be educational too as they experience the different soil types. Let them muck in and help you plant a rose in the garden or in the pot. Chances are it will become their rose.
What better way to learn what plants need to help them grow than by letting your child select their own rose to care for. Miniature roses with tiny perfect blooms are ideal as well as others with names like ‘My Granny,’ ‘My Grandpa,’ ‘My Best Friend’ and ‘Teddy Bear.’
You will need to keep a benign eye over the rose, and water it when necessary as your child’s life becomes busy with school, homework and extra curricula activities.
Children grow up so fast that working together with your children in your garden can be a special time. It is a time for building bonds and making memories, especially when creating something together.
For more inspiration visit Ludwig’s Roses.
TEXT & IMAGES: Alice Coetzee.
