Growing Together: Celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week at Hollybush

There’s something magical about gardening with children – the muddy hands, the thrill of spotting a first green shoot, and the quiet satisfaction of nurturing something into bloom. As National Children’s Gardening Week (25th May – 2nd June) arrives, it’s the perfect opportunity to dig in and share the joys of gardening with the younger generation.

For many of us, gardening brings back cherished childhood memories – planting sunflowers in jam jars on the windowsill or helping a grandparent water the vegetables. These aren’t just nostalgic moments; they’re valuable life lessons in care, patience, and wonder. When children learn how to look after a plant, they learn responsibility and gain a sense of purpose. Watching something grow because of their care gives them confidence and pride – a feeling that stays with them far beyond the garden.

Gardening also supports children’s mental health. Studies have shown that time outdoors and hands-on activities like planting and watering can help reduce anxiety and stress. It’s a peaceful, screen-free way to reconnect – with nature and with each other.

Simple Gardening Projects to Enjoy with Your Children

Make Your Own Seed Paper

Creating seed paper is a fun, eco-friendly craft that allows children to plant their handmade paper and watch it grow into beautiful plants.

Materials Needed:

• Scrap paper (newspaper, coloured paper, or tissue)
• Water
• Blender
• Sieve or mesh strainer
• Wildflower or herb seeds
• Rolling pin or tea towel

Instructions:

1. Tear the scrap paper into small pieces and soak them in water for a few hours.
2. Blend the soaked paper and water into a pulp.
3. Stir in a handful of seeds.
4. Spread the pulp onto a sieve or mesh and press out the excess water using a rolling pin or tea towel.
5. Allow the paper to dry completely.
6. Once dry, cut the paper into desired shapes and plant them under a thin layer of soil.

Grow a Sunflower

Sunflowers are bright, cheerful, and relatively easy to grow, making them perfect for young gardeners.

Instructions:

1. Fill a pot with compost or select a sunny spot in the garden.
2. Plant a sunflower seed about 1.5 cm deep.
3. Water the soil gently and keep it moist.
4. Seedlings should appear in 7–10 days.
5. As the sunflower grows, provide support with a stake if necessary.

Additional Activities:

• Grow cress in eggshells or cotton wool for a quick and rewarding project.
• Create a bug hotel using natural materials like sticks, pinecones, and cardboard tubes to attract beneficial insects.
• Go on a bug hunt to discover and learn about various insects in your garden or local park.

Explore More with the Official Activity Booklet

For more engaging activities, download the official National Children’s Gardening Week Activity Booklet, created in collaboration with The World of Peter Rabbit™. This booklet offers nine delightful nature-based activities;

• Planting your own hanging basket
• Creating leaf-print cards
• Upcycling drink cartons into plant pots
• Growing a windowsill herb garden
• Designing your own garden

Download the booklet here: National Children’s Gardening Week Activity Booklet 2025

Visit Hollybush Garden Centre for Gardening Fun

To support your gardening adventures, Hollybush Garden Centre is offering a free packet of seeds with every purchase of children’s gardening tools during National Children’s Gardening Week. Our wide selection of plants, tools, and child-friendly garden activities makes it easy to turn your garden into a space for learning, bonding, and fun.

Plan your visit: www.hollybush-garden.com

This National Children’s Gardening Week, plant the seeds for joy, learning, and memories that will last a lifetime.