Gardens for Children

The children’s garden at the Decorative Arts Study Center in San Juan Capistrano is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The center is at 31431 Camino Capistrano, just north of the mission. For information on future children’s programs, call (714) 496-2132.

The Fullerton Arboretum’s children’s garden program is scheduled at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month under the big ash tree on the grounds. Reservations are required. The March 27 program is full, but additional times are being planned. A repeat of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” program will be offered April 6 and 8. No program is planned for April 24. The arboretum is at 1900 Associated Road at the northern end of the Cal State Fullerton campus. There is a materials fee of $5 per child for the program. Phone (714) 773-3579.

Sources for do-it-yourself ideas for children’s garden projects include Sharon Lovejoy’s “Sunflower Houses” (Interweave Press) and “Sunset Best Kids Garden Book” (Sunset Publishing).

For the American Horticultural Society’s 42-page resource list, send $5 to Kids, Gardeners’ Information Services, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, Va., 22308. (Though the information was primarily compiled for educators, it is also appropriate for parents and grandparents wishing to interest children in gardening.)

Inquiries about the society’s summer seminar, “Children, Plants, and Gardens: Educational Opportunities,” in Washington, D.C., can be made to the same address.