How have you celebrated our Earth today?!

Planting gardens brings so much happiness and warmth to the Earth and our souls. Plants give us oxygen, color, food, and the feeling of “I have accomplished something. I did it! I grew that plant. (Credit: Mr Carter)” Each day we see our success. We see growth it is evident and clear we are growing a plant.

That visual success is so important to daily lives. No matter how old you are, where you live, what you believe in… accomplishing a goal, finishing a project, seeing success and “growth” is an amazing feeling. I’ve spoken a lot recently on the need of “immediate results” in our world these days and growing a plant can give you that little bit of result each day! Not to mention this is also doing good for the environment and the Earth we call home.

Growing a garden with children is a rewarding opportunity. Like adults, children too thrive on visual success and seeing a seed grow roots, get taller, form buds, and eventual fruit and or flower provides a unique educational experience. It nicely pairs the need for immediate results with the reminder that there are stages to growth, learning and living in general. A reminder that we don’t always receive the immediacy we desire and that sometimes waiting is worth it.

Not to mention the other wonders that come from exploring seeds and plants;

• Sorting by size/color/shape
• Measuring growth
• Differences
• Scientific Process- hypothesis, graph, charts, experiments ie what does a plant need?
• Observational Drawing
• Journaling

Not only do seeds and plants provide the rewarding experience of planting and observing growth but it is a wonderful sensory experience as well. Exploring dirt can renew your senses and mind. Touching the soil and grass and dirt has several benefits to your mental and gut health. I don’t know the science behind it but I can say I do feel better outdoors, talking to my plants nurturing them and sharing the ground and soil.

What did you do for the Earth Today? Do you garden? What are your favorite things to plant? My seeds so far are; Calendula, Black Eyed Susan, Snapdragon, Thyme, Oregano, Parsley, Hot Peppers, Carnations and Shasta Daisy. I guess you can say I have “transformed” into a gardener!

Garden On