Hey there, budding gardeners! Did you know that there’s a fantastic day just for celebrating all things gardens? It’s called… wait for it… wait for it… Gardening Day! On this day, people come together to appreciate the beauty of nature and the magic of the natural world.
What is National Gardening Day?
Gardening Day is a day dedicated to honouring the joy and benefits of nature and how we can help support, explore and have fun in our gardens! It’s celebrated on the 14th April this year, bringing communities together to promote the love of plants, flowers, and green spaces. Whether you have a tiny balcony garden, a sprawling backyard, or even just a few pots on your windowsill, everyone can join in the fun of Gardening Day!
Why Should We Celebrate Gardens?
Gardens are magical wonderlands filled with vibrant colours, delicious fruits and vegetables, and the sweet scents of flowers. But they’re not just pretty to look at – gardens play a crucial role in for the environment…
Nature is the best teacher:
Gardens are fantastic places to learn about the natural world.
You can discover how plants grow, observe insects buzzing around, and even see how birds and other animals interact with their habitats!
Healthy and Happy:
Did you know that spending time in a garden can make you feel happier and healthier? Gardening is a great way to exercise, reduce stress, and connect with nature.
Helping the Planet:
Gardens are like little green superheroes – just like Captain Fantastic! Well, he’s less green and not as little but you get the idea…
Gardens absorb carbon dioxide, provide habitats for wildlife, and improve the air we breathe. By planting trees, flowers, and vegetables, we can all do our part to make the world a better place.
Fun Facts about Gardens!
- Approximately 20,000 slugs live in the average sized garden – roughly 200 slugs per square metre. Super slimy!
- Apples and strawberries actually belong to the rose flower family, and are cousins of the classic rose.
- Butterflies prefer weeds to flowers! Butterflies are most attracted to nectar and not colour, lots of nectar can be found most in common garden weeds like dandelions and clovers.
- Plants grow more when there is music – so next time you fancy a sing song, go and serenade a sunflower!
- One tablespoon of soil has more living organisms than there are people on earth right now. An organism is any living thing, from the smallest bacteria to a giant blue whale. That’s a lot of little living things in your garden!
How Can You Celebrate Gardening Day?
Now that you know why gardens are so awesome, it’s time to join in the Gardening Day festivities!
Here are some fun ways to celebrate:
1- Plant something new!
Whether it’s a flower or a tree, plant something new in your garden or a pot. Watch it grow and take care of it – you’ll be amazed at what you can grow!
Get Creative!
Use recycled materials to make planters, bird feeders, or garden decorations. Let your imagination run wild and see what you can come up with.
Share the Love:
Invite friends, family, or neighbours to join you in the garden. You can have a garden party, swap seeds or plants, or simply enjoy each other’s company surrounded by nature!
We love Garden Parties here at Captain Fantastic- why not invite us to be a part of the fun?
Wildlife Spotting:
How many insects and bugs can you see in your garden? Can you make a list of all the amazing wildlife you spot?
Some Great Places to Look:
– Underneath plant pots (ask a grown up to help you to lift them up)
– In the grass
– Amongst the flowerbeds
– Near the bottom of trees and bushes
Some Things to Look Out For!
– Spiders
– Bees
– Butterflies
– Snails
– Birds
– Caterpillars
– Flowers
– Shrubs
– Slugs
– Trees
– Earthworms
– Ladybugs
Remember to treat all creatures large and small with compassion and care, and be very gentle if you want to touch them – but make sure you ask a grown up first to find out if it is safe to touch any animals or plants that you find in your garden!
And last but not least... Grow something you can Eat!
Try our egg-cellent activity that shows you how to grow cress easily and imaginatively in your home or garden!
Captain's Cress Heads!
What you'll need:
– Watercress Seeds
– 3-4 Eggshells
– Cotton Wool Balls
– A cup of water or a spray bottle
– Googly eyes and sharpies to decorate your egg shells
– Something to hold the eggshells in (Egg cups or an empty egg carton both work great for this!)
Step 1: Decorate!
Using some felt tips or googly eye stickers, make sure that each egg shell has an expressive face! Happy? Sad? Angry? Surprised? Get super creative and don’t forget to add some eyebrows…
Step 2: Fill Your Cress-Heads!
Take a cotton wool ball and soak it in some water. Give it a squeeze to make sure it’s not too soggy and then place the cotton wool ball into the eggshell. Do this until all of your shells are filled with cotton wool.
Step 3: Plant the Cress Seeds in the Cress Heads!
Take your cress seeds, they should look something like this:
They are tiny so make sure you don’t lose them whilst doing the next bit!
Next, you need to sprinkle approximately 1 teaspoon of cress seeds into each egg shell. Try and cover as much of the cotton wool as you can with the seeds.
Step 4: Place your Cress Heads Somewhere Dry and Bright!
Once you have completed step 3, you need to place your Cress Heads somewhere bright and dry. A windowsill with lots of light would be the perfect place for them. After that, all you have to do is wait 3-5 days and watch your Cress Heads grow luscious green hair made of cress!
Once they have all grown a full head of cress – you will have to give them a haircut and make some egg and cress sandwiches – Captain Fantastic’s favourite! How yummy!
Gardening Day is a special time to celebrate the beauty and wonder of gardens big and small. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there’s something magical about watching plants grow and thrive. So roll up your sleeves, grab your trowel, and let’s make the world a greener, more beautiful place together!
Happy Gardening Day!