Creating expressive human faces on pots, topped with plants as 'hair,' is a creative way to spark kids' interest in container gardening. Let them dream up facial expressions and pick playful 'hair' plants—they'll love occasional trims too.
Sketch ideas on paper first. Choose supplies like zippers for mouths, pipe cleaners or half corks for ears, interlocking eyebrows, cork disks for noses, and buttons for eyes. Younger kids often prefer paint or markers for simpler designs. Gather everything in a covered workspace near the pot.
Fill the pot halfway with quality potting soil, leaving room for the plant's root ball. Add the plant, cover with soil, and firm it gently around the roots. Water deeply to settle everything.
With adult supervision, apply waterproof epoxy per manufacturer instructions to secure features as sketched. (Masking tape works for protruding pipe cleaner 'ears.')
Unleash creativity: Add sparkly button eyes, a lengthwise-split cork nose, tile teeth, or large leaves as ears. Try pink felt-circle cheeks, fabric-scrap collars, polished stone earrings, a string smile with tiny shell teeth, or twisted pipe cleaners for goggles. These durable designs withstand outdoor conditions when sealed properly.
