Get into the garden

A couple of years ago, l visited the Chelsea Flower Show to support a friend who had been successful in securing the design of the show garden sponsored by the RSPCA. Obviously, it was a huge honour to see his garden, but it was also extremely eye-opening to realise the months and months of designing, planning and sheer hard graft that go into creating the show gardens.  All of them are removed in full by the end of the fourth day after the show – a feat in itself.  Luckily, the RSPCA garden has been reassembled at an RSPCA base in Cheshire.  It strikes me how much teaching has in common with gardening – not least the toil and hope for great outcomes.

Now, not only are animals and the great outdoors close to our heart here at LCS, but the benefits of getting our children involved in gardening cannot be underestimated.  So, with the weather currently rather splendid, I recommend you get your children into the garden to give you a hand.  Our youngest to our oldest pupils can benefit from a bit of horticultural involvement:

• Gardening is the perfect way to teach children about nature and the environment. Children will get hands on, practical experience in identifying different types of plants and will become familiar with a range of bugs and creepy crawlies!
• Through gardening, children will develop an understanding of plant life cycles and food chains. They will also observe the effect that seasons have on the garden, plants and wildlife.
• There are numerous sensory benefits in gardening. Children will explore using their sight, hearing, smell, touch and even taste and this has fantastic mental and physical health benefits.
• They will need to remember to plant seeds at the right time, water the plants daily, trim and prune their plants and so on. It encourages a sense of responsibility and organisation, which are valuable life skills.
• Gardening is a lifelong hobby! It is a consistent past time that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a hobby that children will not outgrow, as it is suitable for adults and children alike. Gardening for beginners is accessible and highly adaptable, meaning it is never too late for people to start.
• Garden provides children with imaginative freedom and allows them to express themselves creatively through the plants they grow and the way their garden looks.
• Time in nature is mindful and good for our mental health.
• If we learn a love and appreciation of the natural world we are more likely to preserve it.

Time to get the gardening gloves on! 

… should you need further inspiration, pictured is Mr Harrison with his gardening-themed gifts for his birthday this week!
 
Inservi Deo et laetare!