Age range Four years onwards Some sticks cut to the same length for markers StringAnnual
seeds You don't have to make a rainbow; you could do any pattern you like, perhaps a name, a flag or a favourite painting. To help motivate the children even more, we marked out the rainbow using coloured ribbon so there is something colourful to enjoy while waiting for the annuals to flower later in the summer. Of course, string will do if there's no ribbon to hand. Choose a sunny spot in the garden (we have used a raised vegetable bed), and dig and rake the soil until it is fine and crumbly on top. Take extra care to eradicate all weeds and large stones.
Mark out an area for your rainbow. To do this, at the base of the rainbow, measure along half way and place a stick marker. To form your first rainbow arc, tie a length of string to the first stick marker and tie a second stick at the point where the innermost arc will start. Pull the string tight across the soil and score a semi-circle with the second stick. Place more stick markers at regular points along the scored line so the arc's outline is clearly marked out. To help ensure the markers are evenly spaced, use a short piece of stick as a measuring gauge between each marker. Repeat for each arc of the rainbow. As your arcs become larger, you might have space for less of the outline, depending on the size of your bed.
Tie each coloured ribbon (we started with the shortest circle, violet) to the first marker or each arc and feed the ribbon around the rest of the markers in the semi-circle. Repeat with the next colour (blue) and so on, ending with red at the outside edge. Sow the seeds, making sure you read the sowing instructions. Most seeds should be about 6mm (1/4in) below the surface, although others may need to be deeper. Water with a fine spray, and keep watering regularly thereafter. Keep an eye on weeds, which will love these ideal growing conditions. Perhaps sow a few of each of the seeds in small pots of multipurpose compost to help you recognise flowers from weeds. When the seedlings appear you may need to remove some carefully to make sure they have plenty of room to grow.
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Choosing
Your Plants: 
For
blue: Legousia 'Blue Carpet' 
