Since we’re a bit quarantined, here’s an idea for an adventure. Fun, and a great way to recycle an old suitcase. Line it with plastic, like this double layer cut from a paint drop-sheet.
Grab the kids and a few pails (bring a trowel), to gather up stones in one pail, dirt in another. You’ll need moss too. It grows in wet boggy areas. You can pick some up at the nursery, of course, but really? Isn’t wading about in mud while your mom digs up moss a quintessential childhood adventure?
Try not to layer the moss for transport, but if you have to, lay moss to moss and dirt to dirt, otherwise your creation will be a bit muddy (like your kitchen and your kids).
Layer your suitcase with stones, then dirt. Mound dirt in the center for the hobbit house, then press down slices of moss.
You don’t need a hobbit door, but if you’d like to make one, I used Polly Plastics Moldable Plastic Pellets. If you order using this link, thank you, because as an Amazon Associate I earn a small amount. Melt the pellets in boiling water, and hand mold into the desired shape. That brown lump in the pot is the back of my hobbit door.
Add plants, and a stone walkway. Perhaps Gandalf too. Or let your kids choose any figures from their collections. By the way, this Shire garden can transform into a fabulous backdrop to act out the Easter Sunday angel visit, when they told garden visitors that “He is risen!”
Do have super fun making your Suitcase Garden. Since indoor plants remove pollutants from the air, I think it counts as a health project. But top marks to you for giving your kids a fun adventure, a creative opportunity, and great memories!
This is a wonderful! Thanks for sharing, really!
My kids will enjoy doing this!
That is adorable!
This is not only creative but it’s very intriguing, inviting parents with children to be involved together. Great imagination Ruth, keep up the good work!