Article: ASK THE GLOBE

Q. As kids we used to make what we called "depression gardens." We started with a some pieces of coal, then added (I think) bluing, ammonia and food coloring. A magic-formula garden grew looking like small stalagmites. Can you find the formula for me? -- N.D., Shelburne Falls

A. Boston's Museum of Science is one place to find out about good stuff like that. Mark McCarthy of the museum's library had the formula and method right at hand. You'll need noniodized salt, liquid bluing, clear ammonia, water, food coloring or fabric dye, a brick or piece of coal, an eye dropper, and a ...

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