There's just something about being able to dig in the dirt, to feel the roots of another living thing and know that you can care for it! I love being able to give my children that feeling, that sense of accomplishment and pride. And, during the summer, my favorite way to do that is with their own garden area.
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Last year, we used containers for our garden and gave them each a large pot. This year, we've made some changes to our yard which freed up a larger plot and gave us the flexibility to add a raised bed. This garden area is all their own! This isn't something that I plan on maintaining or taking over. But an area for them to explore, plant, cut, weed, and water on their own. They are in complete control over the area. Both Henry and Nora picked the plants, planned where they wanted them to go, and planted them on their own. Gus watched, dug in the dirt, helped Nora plant, and I'm sure he will be a big waterer!
They planted some seeds into the dirt that my dad collected from his garden as well as some pre-bought flowers from a local garden store. There's talk of building a fairy house! And lots of anticipation for fresh flower cutting and arranging.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to make your own children's garden:
- pick a forgiving spot - not too much sun or too much shade
- let go of your own expectations and let your child take control
- provide the right tools for independent care of the garden - a small set of garden tools, a watering can, and gardening gloves can be helpful
- plant a good mixture of things so that if something doesn't thrive the garden still has a good chance of success
- keep it interesting with a mix of colors and textures, plants and seeds, sizes and shapes
- offer some limits on the plants if your child is choosing so that
- don't be afraid of a mess - provide the opportunity to clean it up
- provide easy access to water to care for the plants (ours is a rain barrel near by)
I hope this area becomes a retreat for them. And judging my their grubby little hands and proud smiles, I think it will be!
Do your children have their own garden area?
12 Months of Montessori
This post is brought to you as part of the 12 Months of Montessori series. This month's theme is summer. Visit these links for great Montessori and Montessori inspired posts for summer time!
Free Beginning Sound Clip Cards - Summer Alphabet Printables | Natural Beach Living
Fun Summer Activities for Kids with 3 Part Cards ~ Free Montessori Printables | The Natural Homeschool
Free Golfer Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download) | Living Montessori Now
Fruit Science for Kids | Mama’s Happy Hive
Our Children’s Garden {and Tips to Make your Own} | The Kavanaugh Report
Go Find It: A Montessori Friendly Summer Game | The Pinay Homeschooler
Hands-On Ocean Food Web Activity With Free Printable | Uno Zwei Tutu
Building Popsicle Stick Structures | Sugar, Spice & Glitter
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