Gosh, don't you remember setting chairs close together and putting blankets over them to create that secret tunnel. I do. Well, how about helping your children create their own play space? Let's do it with gardening plants.

Ever thought about using vining plants to create your next fun outdoor playroom? With vines the possibilities are endless because they grow to fit any shape you design.

Begin by setting posts or poles to the outline of the structure you want. You can use wood or plastic pipe which bends readily. Next, cover these with string. Consider building a tunnel, teepee, or four-sided box. Once you have the structure shape made, it is time to plant annual vines. This could be ornamental gourds, pole beans or nasturtiums.

You could even plant cucumber or scarlet runner beans. The kids will enjoy watching these vegetables grow and it might encourage them to eat what they planted -- especially during those times they are ship wrecked or hiding from pirates. For large structures I suggest planting more than one type of vine. The diversity makes the structure more interesting for its visitors.

These annual vines will need a lot of light and warm weather to grow well. So plant them in full sun. Bet you will be the talk of the neighborhood as your kids and others visit your structure for their adventures.

So give your kids some unique playing space by designing their next playhouse. One last reminder: avoid poisonous vines or abundant flowering ones that may attract bees. Remember, this is kid space. So, be creative and let their imagination go free. Fun is playing under the vines. Enjoy!