May 12, 2008

Gone to Pot

Sprout Home’s Mini Sensory Garden Recipe

How does your kiddo’s garden grow?

With flowers and herbs that stimulate the senses, thanks to this floral recipe from Sprout Home.

Mini Sensory Garden

Materials
Large ceramic or wood container
Potting soil
Curry plant
Stock (fuchsia) plant
Mint plant
Viola (violet) flower
Lemon thyme plant

1. Fill half the container with potting soil.

2. Arrange curry, stock, mint, viola, and lemon thyme in a circular pattern, starting with the tallest (stock) in the center.

3. Fill in side gaps with extra soil and pack everything in firmly.

4. Touch the soft, fuzzy curry.

5. See the colorful stock and viola.

6. Smell the mint.

7. Taste the lemon thyme.

Talk about stimulating.

For more tot-friendly gardening ideas, visit Sprout Home, 745 North Damen Avenue, at Chicago Avenue (312-226-5950 or sprouthome.com).

SUPPORT
Walk Now for Autism
What: Fifth annual family benefit for Autism Speaks with 5K walk, music, food, games, and resource fair.
Why: Take it all in your stride.
When: Sun., 8 a.m.
Where: Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr., at McFetridge Dr., South Loop (224-567-8573).

SHOP
Belly Dance Maternity Warehouse Sale
What: Clothes and accessories for mama and baby (Liz Lange, Japanese Weekend, Cadeau) from $10.
Why: It’s bump day.
When: Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 2054 N. California Ave., at McLean Ave., Logan Square (888-802-1133). Cash only.

EAT
Mommy and Me Lunch
What: Latin grub, baby massage lessons, and beauty treatments for mom; grilled cheese and playtime for minis.
Why: You go together.
When: Thurs., noon.
Where: DeLaCosta, 465 E. Illinois St., b/t McClurg Ct. & Lake Shore Dr., Streeterville (312-464-1700).