Ladybird Tuesday: Indoor Gardening

Yes, I know it's Thursday, but sometimes you just have one of those weeks. Better late than never and all that…

So let's talk about Indoor Gardening. Doesn't the title alone just age this book? Does anyone even talk about indoor gardening any more? I see plenty of references in modern day to houseplants and possibly herbs in the kitchen, but not much more than that. 

Indoor Gardening appeared as part of Ladybird series 633 which was entitled Early Learning, but actually featured a number of crafts and hobbies. As a series it's one I'd really like to find more of, especially some of the craft books.

In the words of the book itself:

Indoor gardening fascinates children as well as adults, and this book shows how easily both can obtain endless interest and pleasure – as well as gratifying results.

I have to admit though that alongside all the practical information that this book has there are some great retro design ideas. Charity shops always have an assortment of glass bottles, jars and bowls and it would be relatively easy and cheap to buy a couple and try out some of the growing ideas in this book.

I'm not sure I've ever been somewhere where they grow snowdrops in a wineglass before, but there's a first time for everything!

Whereas now many of us go to garden centres, or even just supermarkets, and buy plants already grown, in 1969 it was much more the case that people grew things from seed, bulb or cuttings – partly because the choice of plants to buy just wasn't anywhere near what it is today and partly for financial reasons. Some of the ideas in this book of growing things from pip or cuttings would work well with children today though – especially if you're trying to find some cheap activities to do with them. 

The thing this book did more than anything else was make me yearn for a simpler life where children weren't so distracted by television, computers or toys that make lots of noise and instead spent time being thrilled about things growing. I feel a certain pride that Little Miss C today got really excited by showing the two friends that were here for a playdate that she had some sunflower seeds growing in a pot in the kitchen. I'm just hoping the weather allows us to start some outdoor gardening soon too.

If you have a collection of old Ladybird books then please feel free to join in with Ladybird Tuesday. There are no formal rules to follow, just leave a link to any post you write in the comments below and if you're feeling kind link back to my Ladybird Tuesday category here on Being Mrs C. Thanks!

I've also compiled an index of all the vintage Ladybird books I own and everyone's Ladybird Tuesday posts to date – organised by series. It satisfies my inner geek and hopefully will also be of interest to others too.