Last year we received a Grow Wild kit and used the seeds to create beautiful spaces for the neighbourhood to enjoy. The children learned about the life cycle of flowers, as well as which wild flowers are native to Northern Ireland (Grow Wild sends out a kit that is specific to your local area).
Tristan and Kallista walked around the neighbourhood with their tools and homemade watering can, along with great hopes of the flowers that would bloom. They carefully planted and watered their seeds with love.
The seeds sprouted and grew and bloomed over the course of the summer and autumn.
The kids enjoyed planting the seeds in a few areas, but not all of them were successful. Fortunately for us, the one area that really thrived was behind a council-owned wall that just happens to be in front of our home and gives the biggest impact to anyone that drives up our road.
In the autumn we went out and collected a bowl full of poppy seeds (aren’t these poppies beautiful!) and they’ve been replanted again this spring. A couple of plants have come back on their own, but we hope to have more from the recently planted seeds as well. This was their project on Earth Day.
In addition, the children have also planted more seeds of several varieties so that the neighbourhood can again enjoy a colourful area. Over the next week they’ll be going out and spreading more seeds to other areas as I found some more seeds that I’d purchased while doing a little spring cleaning. We’re all hopeful that this year will be more successful than last year.
The kids love to get out and use their new hoe and spade and be like Miss Rumphius to make the world a more beautiful place! In the past they’ve made an upcycled vertical flower garden and helped with clearing weeds around the neighbourhood, as well as cutting the flowers and giving them to neighbours in their own pretty posy wraps.
This month I’m participating in a Flower-Themed Unit Study for kindergarten with these fine families. Please hop over and you’ll find lots of fun and educational ideas to use with your children:
- Parts of a Flower Free Resources from Something 2 Offer
- Fun Garden Center Scavenger Hunt for Kids {Free Printable} from Crafty Mama in ME
- Flower Dissection from Schooling a Monkey
- Gross Motor Flower Number Line Adventures of Adam
- Free printable plant journal from Our Whimsical Days
- Flower Eye Hand Coordination Activity from Sugar Aunts
- How to Plant Flowers with Your Kids from Living Life and Learning
- Flower Art for Kindergarten from Kidz Activities
- Flower Addition Clip Cards from Simple Fun for Kids
- F is for Flowers (and other things) – Homeschool Preschool
Carolyn Wilhelm says
Lovely, Miss Rumphius would be proud. The neighbors will enjoy this so much. Wildflowers are a so interesting! Thanks.
Crystal McClean says
It’s funny watching different ones come up this year than last year – and not knowing which ones are ‘weeds’ or ‘wildflowers’!
When the kids call me Miss Rumphius I’m never sure if they mean I’m just plain crazy in a good way or otherwise!
Andrea says
I love planting flowers with kids! I am excited to check out the grow wild kits!
Anne Campbell says
This is such a fun post. I love the idea of spreading beauty this way. Wildflowers are the best!
Crystal McClean says
Wildflowers are great – but they do look so….wild rather than orderly. But the colours are wonderful!
Ali Gilbert says
What a nice thing to do by putting seeds around your neighborhood. The flowers are beautiful!!
Crystal McClean says
Thank you, I’ll let the children know your compliment 🙂
I’ve just heard that a few folks from our town are getting together and planting wildflowers around the town next week, if I can find out more details we may see if we can help.
Emmy says
What an awesome idea! Not only do you help your neighborhood be more beautiful but you are teaching your kids so many valuable lessons.
Crystal McClean says
It’s nice to come home to something pretty, but it does take some work (not all of which I’m a fan of – bugs, yuck!) but yes, it helps the children learn that having a home means upkeep and constant tending.
Emma says
What beautiful photos! It must have been so fun for them to see what they planted grow all over the neighborhood for everyone to enjoy!
Crystal McClean says
It’s fun to watch them check on the progress of their plants and see their excitement as they grow and bloom. Gardening is much better with kids!