'I didn't know gardening could be so much fun!'

It is wonderful when you hear such remarks from children who are engrossed in getting their hands dirty and up close and personal with nature - literally! This was my experience today as my sons and I started planting the first of our vegetables in our kitchen garden. When the chatter wasn't about the size and number of worms we were coming across it was about the menus they were going to create from all the harvest! Leek and potato soup seemed rather popular as well as who could grow the largest zucchini in time for the zucchini race at the Fall Fair later in the year!

But that's the great thing about getting children outside - you can just watch the creativity and enjoyment grow with every passing second. The challenge as adults is to encourage children past that initial resistance because once outside the rewards are priceless - inspiration, entertainment and comfort.

Whether it takes the form of pots on a balcony, a community garden or in your own backyard working in a garden is a wonderful opportunity to experience environmental awareness. Working in a garden, children can experience the satisfaction that comes from caring for something over time and connect with the origins of their food.

I know my children are very excited, curious of what the next few months hold for their vegetables. Just so long as we keep remembering to close the gate to the veggie plot.... the local deer would take advantage at the first opportunity!

For ideas on starting a garden with children check out http://www.kiddiegardens.com/index.html