Although it seemed to appear a little earlier than expected this year, it’s now coming close to the official start of spring. Below are a few ideas for activities to engage in with your consumers to learn more about and to enjoy the new season. Where possible, include them in the process of planning your spring events.
Read Books About Spring, Plants, and Gardening
Visit your local library and check out books that discuss the season and gardening. Include a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles. Some great ones include Mama Miti, Lola Plants a Garden, A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, How Do Worms Work, and Starting Seeds: 24 No-Fail Plans for Small Organic Gardening.
Attend Library Workshops
In addition to carrying many books about the season and nature, local libraries also offer multiple free gardening classes and workshops. Check out the Guilford County library system calendar for upcoming dates.
Have a Seed-Starting Party
After learning about the plant cycle, host a seed-starting party.
There are many ready-made seed-starting kits available around this time of year at well-known big box stores. Purchase the kits and follow the directions for an easy and fun activity.
Another option: Purchase the necessary materials from stores such as the Dollar Tree and Target and start the seeds from scratch. Gather vegetable, herb, and fruit seed packets, small pots, gardening tools, soil and water.
Together they can make up your container garden. Tend to the garden and harvest, cook, and eat the plants together throughout the growing season.
Plant Flowers
Visit a greenhouse or nursery and purchase colorful plants. Together, plant them around the group home in containers and/or in the ground, depending on your space and goals.
Visit a Garden
There are various public spaces throughout the Triad and surrounding areas that highlight the beauty of nature.
For instance, the Greensboro Arboretum in Greensboro hosts a variety of plants that can be observed while walking on designated paths.
There’s also Keeley Gardens in McCleansville, that houses a group of community garden plots. Special outings, including tours and parties for your consumers, can be arranged at these and other locations.
Happy Spring!