Since I moved into a house with a yard, on the weekends I find myself puttering about outdoors. When we first moved in May, we pulled out about 150 non-native plants. After a bit of research and multiple visits to the Mounts Botanical Gardens, we put in a few native vines and trees.

I have taken an interest in hydroponic gardening, too. To date, we have built two hydroponic systems that hold about 50 plants total! I am growing various red and green leaf lettuces, tomatoes and of course collard greens and kale.

“Hydroponics.” World Book Online Reference Center. World Book, 2011. Web. 3 Feb. 2011.

Needless to say, I love being outside. In South Florida we can spend almost 365 days outside, how wonderful is that? We are surrounded by a wondrous expanse of land filled with adventures. Here are some places on my outside adventure list:

        1.) Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

        On Saturday, February 12 from 8am-4pm, the Refuge will be celebrating their 12^th Annual Everglades Day with Foreverglades: A day celebrating and promoting awareness, appreciation, and

an understanding of the Everglades.

        2.) Girls u Pick Strawberry Fields

I have soft spot for others trying hydroponics and I love strawberries. Pay attention to the plants at the top of the hydroponic systems, they plant various herbs. Grab a basket and scissors and you are ready to go.

        3.) Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami-Dade

Years ago, when I lived in Tampa, I drove to the Ringling Museum once of month. Vizcaya reminds me of the Ringling and I enjoy walking around the gardens of both.

        4.) Mounts Botanical Gardens

The Mounts Botanical Gardens is beautiful to stroll through. I just love checking out their vegetable garden. The vegetable garden would be great places to have the kids’ guess the plant and what vegetable will it produce. If you are interested in starting a garden with kids, check out the library’s books on gardening with children.

If you are having a hard time getting the kids away from their video games, check out the book by Fiona Banks, Nature’s playground : activities, crafts, and games to encourage children to get outdoors

What are some of your favorite outdoor places? Comment on our blog!