Rock Gardens are one of the most effective landscaping features.

They also provide that all elusive curb-appeal that adds signicant value to a home at minimal cost.

There are few features in the garden that provide such a variety of interests in so little space as a well-planned and carefully planted rock garden.

The smallest plot may contain a rock garden which will house a representative and charming collection of alpine plants; but, on the other hand, there are few features in the ordinary garden that are so neglected and so ill-understood.

It must be remembered that the chief function of the rock garden is to provide the plants grown in it with conditions, so far as possible, similar to those existing in their natural haunts.

The alpines and high alpines are the most typical of all rock plants and are mostly natives of the high mountain crags and screes of the Alps and Himalayas.

The ideal rock garden, therefore, should, so far as possible, provide the soil and natural conditions pertaining in these regions.

During the short alpine summer the plants are subjected to fierce and baking sun; many of them, therefore, have thick leaves covered with down or hair to protect them from its shrivelling rays.

The roots, too, at this time need ample moisture, and this is provided by the melting of the snows on the mountain tops, whence it permeates through the scree of the moraine.

Also, to live in their natural haunts they require to be very deep and strong rooted, very often with a much greater root run than the foliage and flowers which their roots support.

Enjoy. DT.

Fun with Children: Making Memories on a Budget
Nicole Dean
13f2 What childhood memories do you hold dear? For me, it was all the times life happened. The little things like playing outside, riding my bike with the wind in my hair, playing
at the park, swimming in the lakes, giggling with friends. None of those moments cost a cent, yet they are some of my most treasured memories.

Making memories on a budget is very easy to do. Choose any of the ideas below and you'll have a fun-filled time without breaking the bank!

Garden - Plant flowers, fruit trees, herbs, or vegetables. Your child will learn science, responsibility and have fun!

Snip-it - Give your child old toy catalogs or magazines and safe scissors. Watch them cut all day.

Diggin' It - Send your child outside with a bucket and small shovel. Shoveling snow, sand, dirt or rocks -- it's all good fun.

Sing - Turn up the radio and sing! Teach your child the music of the 70s, 80s, or 90s.

Play Catch - Throw different items (balloons, tennis balls) to your child. Roll balls to young children.

Sidewalk Chalk - Lay on the sidewalk and take turns outlining each other. Decorate your flat selves.

Cardboard Boxes - Make towers, build cities, design play houses, airplanes, trains, forts and more!

Bubbles - Blow Bubbles. Take turns chasing and popping them.

Masks - Create Masks from Paper bags, paper plates, foam, or anything on hand.

Cards - Introduce your child to all the classic games -- UNO, Crazy 8, Go Fish, Old Maid, Memory Match.

Scavenger Hunt - Give your child a list of clues and send him out to find them. Clues can be simple (find a rock) or very advanced (find a piece of granite).

Throw Rocks - Go to a pond, creek, or lake and throw rocks. Try to skip them or aim for different targets.

Bath Time - Bring kitchen utensils into the bath tub. Bubbles and water can become an imaginary gourmet dinner.

Office - Give your child Junk Mail, stickers, a calculator and pen -- they'll have their own office!

Photography - Let your child use a disposable camera or a digital camera and witness their creativity.

Picnic - Make some sandwiches and eat them outside.

Cooking - Find age-appropriate recipes and let your child help in the kitchen.

Tag - How many versions of tag do you remember from your childhood? Teach the oldies to your children (freeze tag, TV tag, etc.)

Write a Story - Younger children can write wiggle-worm sentences (much scribbling and pictures). Encourage older children to write chapter books -- your child may surprise you.

Charades - Toddlers can act out and guess their favorite animals (usually with many sound effects). Older children will enjoy acting out movie titles.

Flashlight - Turn off the lights & make shadow puppets. Or get two flashlights and chase the light beams.

Wildlife - Feed the ducks, squirrels, birds, turtles or fish near you.

Abundance - Every day, have your children tell you what they are thankful for.

Dress Up - Give your children your clothes and watch them imitate you.

Treats - Make cookies and decorate them.

Dance - Turn up the music and Dance!

Play Games - Teach your child all your favorite board games.

Journal - Present a notebook or diary to your child and encourage them to express their feelings with pictures and words.

Tea Party - Grab the stuffed animals and treat them to a delicious cup of imaginary tea.

Keep in Touch - Write a letter to Grandparents, Aunts or Uncles. Teach the importance of

family.

I Spy - Come up with age-appropriate clues and let you child guess what you are

thinking.

Be sure to print out this list and keep it handy for the next time your children say

MOMMMMMM -- we're bored!

About the Author

*This article may be edited for length*

About the Author: Nicole Dean is a mom whose life centers around exposing her children to all the wonders of the world. She is the owner of www.showmomthemoney.com - a fun
site for Moms and Work at Home Moms! ( http://www.showmomthemoney.com ) and www.ShowKidstheFun.com - a site to bring families together.

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