Gardening With Children

February is the perfect time to plan a garden and the St. Louis County Library has many books written especially for the young gardener. Here's a sampling of favorites. "Gardening With Children," edited by Sigrun W. Saphire, provides plant information and activities for children and their families. Whether you would like to plant a butterfly garden, set up a terrarium, or learn more about the structure of plants, this is the book for you. 

Gina Ingoglia's "TheTree Book For Kids and Their Grownups" is a field guide for the young arborist. With beautiful illustrations and simple text, this guide will help children understand the differences between the trees in their neighborhoods, parks, and gardens.

"A Seed Is Sleepy," written by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long, presents seed characteristics with childlike descriptions such as sleepy, secretive, adventurous, and generous. This book is an enchanting introduction to plants and gardening.

An adult book that will help you plan your garden is the "Missouri Gardener's Guide," written by local author Mike Miller. This invaluable book recommends plants that will grow well in Missouri and includes specific planting instructions. If you are interested in community gardens, the St. Louis County Library offers the community garden at the Prairie Commons Branch in partnership with Gateway Greening.

--Teresa R., Sachs