Washington County Weekend Post

2A • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 GMTODAY.COM YOUR GUIDE TO A thriving backyard gar- den requires homeowners to take steps to ensure the gar- den has the best environ- ment in which to grow and thrive. The right tools and components, including trowels, rakes, soil, amend- ments, and fertilizer, can help gardeners create beau- tiful spaces. It's also impor- tant that pollinators are made to feel welcome in the garden. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that one-third of all agricultural output depends on pollinators. The USDA notes that insects and other animal pollinators are vital to the production of healthy crops for food, fibers, edible oils, medicines, and other products. Pollinators also are essential for maintain- ing habitats and ecosystems that many wild animals rely on for food and shelter. The U.S. Forest Service says that, without pollina- tors, the human race and all of the earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive. Pollination done the natural way often yields large, flavorful fruits. Pollinators are make-or- break components of large- scale agriculture, and they're just as important in private home gardens. The Pollinator Partnership, an organization that works to protect pollinators and their habitats across North America, says pollinators include bees, butterflies, beetles, birds, and bats. These animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies. The following are some ways to maintain healthy pollinator habitats. • Consider the soil and types of plants that will thrive in it before choosing what to plant. Fix drainage issues and plant with sunlight in mind. • Vary the colors and shapes of plants to attract a greater array of pollina- tors. Plant flowers close to vegetable gardens to attract pollinators. • Group plants together when planting to more effec- tively attract pollinators. • Select plants that flow- er at different times of the year so that nectar and pollen sources are available year-round. • Whenever possible, choose native plants. • Avoid the use of pesti- cides. • Provide a water source for pollinators, such as a shallow dish with stones half-submerged for perch- ing. Pollinators are impor- tant for gardens, whether those gardens are commer- cial operations or small backyard plots. Allow polli- nators to share spaces and be mindful of behaviors that can threaten their sur- vival. Pollinators are an important part of gardens Parents walk a fine line when trying to determine how much time to allow their kids to engage in game play. Game play has tradi- tionally had a bad reputa- tion, but parents can rest assured that by letting their children get involved in entertaining games of all types, including video games, they're actually help- ing their youngsters in vari- ous ways. 1. Board games pre- sent chances for learning. Board games are some of the first games young children get to play, and they can serve as introductions to lessons kids will ultimately learn in school. Simple games help children follow directions, learn colors, numbers, and develop hand- eye coordination, according to Scholastic. As kids age and games become more challenging, the chances for learning increase. 2. Games help with physical development. Parenting magazine reports that outdoor play entices children to be active and can boost fitness and physical stamina. All types of games work the body by strengthening muscles and bones. Being outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine is good for the body and mind. When a child is physically fit, he or she also may have a strong immune system that reduces the risk of develop- ing diseases like obesity or diabetes later in life. 3. Games can boost creativity Whether they're follow- ing the rules or finding ways to circumvent them, games offer opportunities for children to delve into their creative sides and utilize their imaginations. Video games can immerse them in different worlds where they can ponder the what-ifs of role play. 4. Boost interest in school subjects Certain video games depict historical settings or events that drive the play. Players may want to learn more about these situations and events. In addition, sparking an interest in vari- ous subjects and keeping the mind active can improve basic cognitive functions, states the pregnancy and childcare resource Materni- ty Glow. 5. Games allow for broadened social activity Much in the way that game nights can help adults bond and make new friends, children who play games together may be able to meet others and engage with kids their age due to this shared interest. Children can benefit from game play in ways that might surprise their par- ents. 5 benefits of game play for children

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