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| Photo Credit: Evan Lownds |
| Themes like the Teddy Bear and Animals Garden are familiar to kids and encourage them to play among the plants. |
It really is a magical space. There are plants in every color of the rainbow, and in the background you can hear squeals of delight, splashes of water, ringing of chimes and other sounds of happy adults and kids finding treasures around every corner of the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens. Nestled between a parking lot and train tracks and tucked into a greenhouse section on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, visitors have called the area “the most creative half acre in America” and “a magical place of learning.”
And it’s all true. While the gardens are small in size – just over half an acre outside and 1,500 square feet inside – they’re pretty big when it comes to engaging kids. And talk about inspiration! In just one visit, you’ll get all kinds of ideas on how to transform small garden spaces into areas of wonder. If you’ve ever been there, you know exactly what I mean. First and foremost, the 4-H Children’s Gardens are just that – gardens. Plants are everywhere. They fill the beds, spill onto the walkways and even plug some of the cracks in the cement. The scents and sensations are amazing. Brush against plants as you walk, and their fragrances fill the air. There are so many ways to enjoy them. (A favorite is to find one to sit under and just talk, relax and figure out what spot to explore next!) In this special place for kids, it’s very OK to touch the plants – and even play with them. Sensitive plants almost beg you to feel their leaves so they can show you their “disappearing act.” Eyeball plants gawk right back at ya and watch over everyone in the garden. The aromas of chocolate mint beckon visitors to “please smell me.” And the colors will bowl you over, too! There are creeping thyme flowers the exact same purple as the seats they’re planted under. And the daisies can’t help make you pause to think, “She loves me … she loves me not.” There are literally hundreds of different plants that make this group of gardens such a delightful place to be.
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