Sarah O’Neil. Play in the Garden: fun projects for kids to enjoy outdoors. New Holland Publishers (NZ), 1 September 2014, 120pp $AU28.56/$NZ34.99 (pbk) ISBN978-1-86966-413-8
The author (and her two young sons) is certainly committed to the importance of gardens, even in small spaces, for living in a sustainable way and enjoying the pleasure of nature. What is immediately satisfying is the humorous “Letter to Kids” at the beginning of the book, which gives voice to the 8-9 year olds, Tim and Joey. The children’s voice is then balanced by the adult perspective when the author tries to encourage collaboration: that both parents and children can do real gardens together and, through scaffolding, achieve success. This dialogue is evident in the first chapter entitled “Garden Basics (Boring bits for grown-ups)!”
I have to say that I love my garden and found this book has much that is useful for me to think about when planning and sustaining different types of gardens. After this first section, the book is then divided into sections by the time sequence of spring, summer, autumn and winter followed by a final section on good and bad bugs, climate and temperature. This of course is necessary given that what works in the tropical north may not work in the temperate cold of the south.
It certainly is not a boring book on how to weed (though this is explored) but is full of projects that could excite young children: making soil sausages to determine the type of soils you have, how to grow giants, how to make wind chimes and bird scarers, stepping stones and a bean tepee. On each double-page spread (where each project is detailed, there are necessary inserts on what equipment is needed, instructions on how to achieve success, extra tips and a “Did you know” quiz that may well excite children’s developing knowledge. The spreads are colourful and well-designed and of high quality so I would recommend that you photocopy the necessary pages rather than take the book out into the garden! Highly recommended.
reviewed by John McKenzie
