Gardening is a wonderfully messy way for children to engage in an enlightening and healthy pastime. It is also one of the most important skills a child can obtain, period. As a family, it is a bonding and rewarding experience which starts with the excitement of choosing the plants from seed, then learning how to nurture and manage the ground as plants grow, and ending with a harvest of homegrown goodness which all can sit down to enjoy as a meal together.

My almost-4-year-old Son has been in our food garden each summer since he was born. I am very proud to write that he recognizes many flowers and plants, being able to point them out quiet easily; kale, mint, rosemary, red clover, tomatoes, dandelion, chicory, chamomile, basil, corn and sunflowers are all familiar to him. Some of those plants he will even be able to tell you what they are good for, such as red clover is good to drink in a tea. As his Mother, I spend as much time as I can passing my growing knowledge of plants on to him. I think it is so important, especially after I read this disturbing article about how preschoolers are able to recognize corporate signs before they are able to read and I just have to wonder, how many of those children recognize as many plants. Unfortunately, probably not many.

Unlike previous Summers, where Miles Storm was content just being with my husband and I pottering around looking at things while we were working in the garden, this year he expressed that he wanted to participate in the garden with us. Huge Step, but we did not have any gardening tools for him to use, so I started researching brands to find him the perfect set.

I eventually found, an Australian company Happy Caterpillar, who make a really cute gardening set which is made of natural products; I am very anti-plastic. The Green Fingers Gardening Set comes with a canvas tote, which is resistant to UV light, stretching, shrinking, and mildew, to carry the tools to and from the garden (plus any extra toys my Son wants to take with him). The 3 mini tools (shovel, trowel, and cultivator) have blunt edges — very important — and are perfect for little hands.

We believe that children need to explore the world around them, and gardening in the backyard is a great and safe way to start the adventure. By exploring the world for themselves, children gain confidence and learn that they can be independent and can tackle challenges. Gardening also teaches children about nature, the seasons, and the bugs and plants that inhabit their backyard and that it’s also fun to play in the dirt and get messy — Happy Caterpillar

I was especially comforted to know, that Happy Caterpillar was started by Father. James Robinson, who has 2 adorable daughters of his own spends a lot of time in the garden with his young family. He believes, and I wholeheartedly agree, that “it’s really important for kids to get their hands dirty in the backyard, and dig holes, plant flowers and veggies”.

Our budding gardener, was very excited when his gardening set came in the mail, like really excited! And, as you can see from the photos, is out in the sunshine very focused and confident, digging holes and planting sunflowers. I am very excited also, as it means less work for his Father and I!

GIVEAWAY TIME

Want to win a Happy Caterpillar Green Fingers Gardening Set for the Little One/s in your life? Enter below to win our giveaway of 1 of 2 Gardening Sets which include 3 tools and a canvas tote. Valued at about $19. If you are one of the 2 winners, we will ship you the prize as soon as possible.

This giveaway ends at 12AM on Wednesday the 30th of July and is open to USA residents only. Otherwise, no matter what part of the World, you can order online from Amazon HERE.

Good Luck, and thanks for stopping by Willy B Mum.

Peace, Love and Plants Make the World Go Around!

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