by Victoria Rumens
Studio Hummingbird

Cultivating minds and bodies

Gardening is a simple but powerful way to spend quality time with your children while supporting their mental and physical health. In today’s world, where screens often dominate our family life, introducing your little ones to gardening can be a breath of fresh air – literally. A well-designed garden isn’t just a patch of soil; it can be a place of discovery, creativity and joy for children, providing memories that stick with them for life.

Gardening: A calm oasis for young minds
We all want our children to grow up happy and resilient, and spending time outdoors in the garden is a wonderful way to nurture that. Gardening combines physical activity with moments of quiet focus, creating a natural way to unwind. For children, the act of planting seeds or watering flowers can bring a sense of accomplishment and calm. Studies even show that green spaces help reduce stress, improve mood and boost concentration.

Gardening also teaches patience and persistence. Children learn to wait for seeds to sprout and flowers to bloom, showing them the rewards of time and care. For little ones struggling with anxiety or focus, repetitive, hands-on tasks like digging and planting can be especially grounding.

A natural workout
Pulling weeds, pushing wheelbarrows and digging soil are fantastic ways to keep children active and improve their coordination. These tasks also help develop fine and gross motor skills, which are essential in their early years.

Gardening can also spark an interest in healthy eating. When children grow their own vegetables or herbs, they’re far more likely to try them on their plates. Imagine the pride they’ll feel plucking a juicy tomato or picking fresh basil for the family dinner – it’s an experience that nurtures both body and soul.

Reconnecting with nature
Children are naturally curious about the natural world and a garden is the perfect place for them to explore it. Watching a bird build a nest in a birdhouse, noticing how bees buzz around flowers, or learning how compost helps plants grow can ignite a lifelong fascination with nature.

Step away from screens
Let’s face it – it’s tough to compete with the omnipresence of screens. But gardening offers something screens can’t – the joy of creating something real with their own hands. When children see their flowers bloom or vegetables grow, the sense of achievement is unmatched. This hands-on activity can naturally pull children away from devices, offering them a fulfilling and creative way to spend their time. As parents, we can make gardening a family affair. Whether it’s planting a bed of bright flowers or designing a vegetable patch together, these shared experiences build memories and strengthen bonds. Plus, you’ll enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunshine alongside them.

Make gardening fun
If you’re wondering how to make gardening more exciting for children, here are a few tips to get started:
1. Pick child-friendly plants: Choose plants that grow quickly or are especially colourful and fun, like sunflowers, snapdragons or strawberries. Children love to see fast results and bright colours.
2. Add a playful touch: Create little paths or secret spots for children to explore, like stepping stones leading to a hidden patch of flowers or a ‘fairy garden’ corner.
3. Grow snacks: Edible plants like peas, carrots and cherry tomatoes are easy to grow and give children a tasty reward for their efforts.
4. Use child-sized tools: Smaller spades, gloves and watering cans make gardening more accessible and enjoyable for little ones.
5. Invite wildlife: Bird feeders, a bug hotel or even a small and safe water feature can turn the garden into an exciting habitat. Children will love spotting different creatures and learning about them.

Lifelong lessons in responsibility and growth
Gardening isn’t just about growing plants; it’s about growing life skills. When children take responsibility for watering plants or pulling weeds, they learn how small daily efforts lead to big results. They also see first-hand the importance of caring for living things, fostering empathy and compassion.

Beyond these practical skills, gardening encourages creativity. Whether it’s designing a flower bed or choosing what to plant, children have the chance to express themselves. These moments of decision-making and problem-solving can help build confidence that carries over into other areas of their lives.

The big picture: A healthier future
Introducing your children to gardening now can have a lasting impact. Early exposure to outdoor activities instils a love for fresh air and movement, setting the foundation for an active lifestyle. The connection they develop with nature may also inspire them to make eco-friendly choices as they grow up.

Gardening teaches children to appreciate the world around them and the effort it takes to sustain it. Whether they go on to grow their own gardens or simply carry an appreciation for nature, the seeds you plant today will shape the way they see the world tomorrow.

Victoria Rumens is passionate about promoting sustainability and creating gardens that support family wellbeing. As the owner of Studio Hummingbird with years of experience in designing gardens, she advocates for hands-on learning through nature-based activities.
For further details on Victoria’s work please visit www.studiohummingbird.com