Opening times icon Mon - Sat 9am - 5.30pm, Sun - 10.30am - 4.30pm

National Children’s Gardening Week 2020

If there has been one marvellous thing to come out of this tough lockdown period, it is that more people are gardening than ever before. This is not only great for our collective mental health, the bugs and the bees but it has had a huge positive impact on the small people watching and learning. It has also been a great way of connecting with each other over lockdown.

 

Through gardening we can teach our children many things; how eco-systems work, the importance of respecting nature and the complete joy of getting our hands dirty and simply growing things for the fun of it. Not only is it great exercise, it’s fabulous for family bonding. Over the last few months, we have enjoyed sharing your growing journeys with you. Many of you have shared some fantastic tips and tricks to get the smalls interested, so thanks for these and keep them coming! #YarntonGrowAtHome

 

As you know we have been really enjoying interacting digitally with Lee Connelly, The Skinny Jean Gardener. He’s a former Blue Peter gardener and an avid supporter of our very own ‘Grow at Home Challenge’ here at Yarnton Home and Garden. Lee has been uploading daily this week for National Children’s Gardening week showing viewers around his garden to give ideas of things you could do at home. Watch more on his YouTube channel below!

 

Lee says, “During this time where we are spending 24/7 together as a family, gardening has become a getaway for both parents and children where we can all learn and grow together. With this week being National Children’s Gardening Week, there has never been a better time to get started and get those hands messy. I have tried to provide as much content as possible to make it even easier for families to get out there and begin their gardening adventure.” 

 

LEE’S TOP TIPS

1. Wear old clothes so you are not worried about getting messy. Messy is FUN!

2. Design and create the garden together as a family. Be sure to get the children really involved in this process, choosing plants and colours, plants for bees and bugs etc…Inject some magic with fairy or dinosaur garden themes.

3. Get out there with no expectations of what will get completed, as things always will take longer than you think, use the time to interact as a family and let your imaginations run wild. Don’t focus on the outcome but on the time spent together!