Part of me currently feels like a cruel mother for getting rid of the once beloved sand-pit, in the interests of teaching our children to be more self-sufficient. But a bigger part of me is also thrilled at its departure, worn down by the never-ending trail of sand lying in wait for all and sundry, no matter how hard we endeavoured to prevent it from getting into the house. It used to lie in wait to taunt me I am sure of it, filling the dimples in the sofa (because that was a good idea wasn’t it?), itching for feet to touch the floor first thing in the morning, and shortening the lifespan of every washing machine we have had since its arrival.
And yes, in this instance, (and because there are also sand pits available at school), the prospect of getting The Small People interested in gardening definitely won over the (waning interest in a) muck sand pit.
So, a few weeks ago, lured with the promise of packets of seeds and some garish windmills, The Small People helped dig out the top layer of scratchy stuff, and took great delight in tipping in bags and bags of soil into the half-rotten timber-framed structure that they once thought was the best thing since sliced bread.
Next up was the most important ingredient of all – Katzen-Shreck – a harmless concentrated garlic powder that absolutely stinks = ultimate vileness to our feline neighbours (quite an important consideration to keep them away when children and vegetables are soon to be added to the mix!)! And then it was time to plant things – seeds, flower-corns (and sometimes the empty paper packets by the looks of things). Still obviously feeling somewhat guilty, and because it’s their new turf so to speak, I let them both have completely free rein in this department…
Which of course means that apart from the distinctive courgette plants (which might in fact be pumpkins), and the strawberries, I have no idea what on earth any of the small green plants are at all. But quite honestly, as long as they grow, I don’t really care. My plan has been successful… and instead of mourning their loss (despite the fact they hadn’t played with “the pit” for ages) a new passion is beginning to sprout(!)! They are both usually out there first thing in the morning checking for produce (although I think we have a bit of a wait yet!), and as soon as they get home from school, to check again – and to tend to slug dispatch, and watering duties.
I will report back on whether we have a successful harvest or not once produce starts to appear properly (or not)… Don’t hold your breath though, just in case!!
cakesphotoslife (Angie) says
Good luck and hope you get a good crop x
bavaria says
Thanks Angie! :)
Coombemill - Fiona says
We are doing a double up this week on the gardening! Lovely to see them looking interested, we now have 1 ripe strawberry and 3 children fighting over it! Thank you for linking your sandpit change to Country Kids
bavaria says
Thank you. How big is the strawberry? :D
Coombemill - Fiona says
not big enough, and now tears as a slug has been found helping himself to another!
bavaria says
No…. Quick, get some copper tape and lots of crushed egg shells. Oh, and a pint of beer half buried in the middle of the plot… Good luck :)
Emma @mummymummymum says
oooh good luck with the gardening. Slugs keep eating out beans!
bavaria says
Blinking slugs! Thanks Emma :) xx
Windmilltales says
Gardening is great fun with kids, This book is lovely http://www.amazon.com/Roots-Shoots-Buckets-Boots-Gardening/dp/0761110569
And they will forget about the sand once the garden grows!!
bavaria says
Love the look of that book! Thank you! Yes, I think you are right too :)
Jennie says
Oh, that’s all? I was expecting some other chemical wonders. Interesting. good to know! :)
bavaria says
Nope, just simple measures :)
Trish - Mum's Gone to says
I must have been a very cruel mother as Rory never had a sand-pit. But my washing machine has lasted a long time, so I’m sure he appreciates that!
bavaria says
Mine didn’t until we moved to Denmark, and then the concept was introduced to them, and that was it! :D PS. Can’t believe you have a cruel bone in your body!
Frau Dietz says
I am so envious, I would LOVE somewhere to grow things! (I have been categorically told that the balcony is FOR FLOWERS ONLY.) And if you want to keep the other evil things away (sorry, I can’t actually bring myself to write the word, I have a phobia of them, arrrgh I feel funny just writing about not writing the word) then might I suggest putting copper wire/mesh/scourers around them? Just a bit of know-how I picked up a few years ago from my six months on the picture desk of a well-known British gardening magazine ;)
bavaria says
I am sure I can grow you some courgettes. By the looks of things we are going to have quite a few! By the way, you do realise that I am going to be pestering you with questions from now on don’t you!! Thanks for the top tip too! :)
Frau Dietz says
I should probably warn you now then, that’s the only bit of information I have retained!! And yes please do pop a stamp on a courgette for me :)
bavaria says
You have more knowledge than me though, definitely! Yep, will do :)
MsCaroline says
Back in the days when we had a sand pit (or box, as we Yanks call it) I would have sold my soul for your ‘Katzen-schreck!’ – the boys never seemed to remember to put the lid back on. Granted, I suppose they would have smelled awful every time they played in it, but still….
I think the garden is an excellent replacement, though. I’m sure you’re instilling a lifelong love of gardening (not to mention cutting down on the laundry and cleaning headaches!)
bavaria says
The choice between the smell of garlic and cat wee hey? :) Thanks Caroline, that is my plan exactly! :D
ietje says
When the smell of garlic is too overwhelming to keep cats out of the new veggy garden, plant valeriana officinalis and nepeta – cats hate them and you will love the flowers! Your mother’s grandfather, your little one’s great great granddad Opa van Schaik, who taught me this. He knew all about wild plants and flowers and loved to show me. He always used the latin names and I still do the same. I will try to find the English translation.
bavaria says
That’s lovely Ietje, and very useful! Thank you :)
Grace says
Brilliant – that is how I got into gardening, I have lovely memories of having my own patch as a child. Try sweetcorn for them to grow as well – it give a very quick result! Mx
bavaria says
Thanks Mum… Hadn’t even thought of sweetcorn. Not sure there’s any room now… Next year! :) xxx
Jennie says
Any word on what that Katzen Schreck actually *is*? Very intrigued here!
bavaria says
Hello you! Yes, it’s just concentrated garlic powder. It stinks. I reckon it’s also why we haven’t had any post for a few days, no-one wants to come near the house!! Actually, it could come in useful for more than cats! :D
Midlife Singlemum says
Brilliant idea! I hate the sand pits here – at nursery and in the park. At the least the one at nursery isn’t used as the local kitty-litter by a million stray cats. The smell in the park sand pit is disgusting. Unfortunately you have to go into it to get to the slides and climbing frames. I strip DD off and put her straight in the bath after every visit.
bavaria says
Thanks Rachel! You need some super-strength katzen schreck by the sounds of things!! :)
kelloggsville says
Oh yes they seem happy now but they are holding it all in! My daughter, who was wrapped with our sandpit replacement and trampoline replacement etc at the time, will now throw into a wistful sentance “I used to love my …….. until you took it off me” . Just saying!!!!
In the meantime I say – well done mum. sounds like a sterling project to me :)
bavaria says
Thank you. But unfortunately, I know how very very right you are :D
Jazzygal says
Yay!! welcome to the gardening club! Interest is waning here a little bit but the tomato plants are still doing well :-) Best of luck with your new venture.
xx Jazzy
bavaria says
Thanks Jazzy… Please tell your gardening expert I will probably have questions! :) xx
Pia says
all the best for your first harvest! i’ve mustered just enough courage this year to grow pots of herbs. Who knows, might surprise myself with strawberries next year :)
bavaria says
Thanks Pia… Fingers crossed for all of our growing things :)
www.sweetwhisperdreams.blogspot.com says
a garden is a fun project for kids. good luck with all your growing things!
bavaria says
Thank you! I think that the plants need all the luck they can get! :)