Sow seeds for a lifelong love of gardening
Get youngsters involved in National Children’s Gardening Week this half-term school holiday and see how they grow
DON’T speak too soon but the weather’s starting to get better – and it’s perfect timing for National Children’s Gardening Week (NCGW) which celebrates all the fun that gardens hold for kids.
It’s partnering with The World of Peter Rabbit which means there’ll be free Grow with Peter Rabbit activity booklets available at participating retailers and garden centres for families to take home.
And that’s on top of lots of events where people can learn how to make magical mini gardens, enjoy gardenthemed crafts, or go on Peter Rabbit treasure hunts, as well as getting stuck into plenty of ‘things to do’ – making a mini pond to building a fairy garden – on the NCGW website.
A spokesperson for National Children’s Gardening Week, which runs from Saturday, May 25 until Sunday, June 2, says: “The aim of National Children’s Gardening Week is to inspire children’s curiosity. The warm weather we usually have during the May half term is a great time to see the speedy results of seed sowing, planting, and other gardening activities.” It’s hoped young people will connect with nature, develop valuable skills, and learn to love and care for the environment. Other ideas for getting involved include:
■ Plant a small garden: Encourage children to plant their own garden whether it’s a small patch in their own back yard, a container on a balcony, or even a windowsill herb garden.
■ Explore nature: Go on nature walks or visit parks and botanical gardens.
■ Read all about it: Get stuck into books about plants, insects, and the outdoor world.
■ For ideas and events, as well as to learn more about National Children’s Gardening Week, go to childrensgardeningweek.co.uk