The campaign has partnered with the World of Peter Rabbit. Participating Garden Centres across the UK will be giving away free Peter Rabbit activity booklets during National Children’s Gardening Week.

National Children’s Gardening Week is now an annual festival of fun that’s embraced in homes, schools, and community groups across the country, and supports the amazing Greenfingers charity, which is dedicated to providing magical gardens for children in hospices suffering from life limiting illnesses.

The campaign provides and raises awareness to the many benefits of getting children involved in gardening and the outdoors, including lots of ideas and the sharing of events happening over the week and school half term.

TMH feel this is a wonderful campaign to share and have some addition thoughts to share on the benefits of getting in the garden with your child, or even for yourself.

Gardening offers a multitude of therapeutic benefits for both children and adults, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are several therapeutic benefits of gardening:

More For Children:

Sensory Stimulation: Gardening engages children's senses as they touch soil, smell flowers, listen to birdsong, and taste fresh produce. This sensory stimulation promotes cognitive development and sensory integration.

Physical Activity: Gardening involves various physical tasks such as digging, planting, watering, and weeding, which contribute to children's gross and fine motor skills development. It encourages movement and exercise, promoting overall physical health and fitness.

Nutritional Education: Growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs provides an opportunity for children to learn about healthy eating habits and the nutritional value of different foods. They develop an appreciation for fresh, homegrown produce and are more likely to consume a diverse range of fruits and vegetables.

Environmental Awareness: Through gardening, children gain an understanding of the natural world, ecosystems, and the importance of environmental conservation. They learn about plants, insects, and wildlife habitats, fostering a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility.

Emotional Regulation: Gardening offers a therapeutic outlet for children to express emotions, reduce stress, and develop emotional resilience. Spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, and nurturing plants can promote a sense of calmness, happiness, and well-being.

More For Adults:

Stress Reduction: Gardening provides a peaceful and meditative environment that helps adults unwind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. The rhythmic tasks involved in gardening, such as weeding or pruning, can be soothing and therapeutic.

Mindfulness Practice: Gardening encourages mindfulness as adults focus on the present moment, observing the sights, sounds, and sensations of the garden. Engaging in gardening activities mindfully can enhance mental clarity, concentration, and overall mindfulness skills.

Sense of Accomplishment: Watching plants grow and thrive through the nurturing care of gardening can instill a sense of accomplishment and pride in adults. Harvesting fresh produce or creating a beautiful garden space offers tangible rewards and boosts self-esteem.

Social Connection: Gardening can be a social activity that fosters connections with neighbours, community members, or gardening clubs. Engaging in shared gardening projects or participating in community gardens provides opportunities for social interaction, support, and camaraderie.

Therapeutic Outlet: For adults dealing with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, gardening can serve as a therapeutic outlet for self-expression, emotional release, and healing. The act of tending to plants and watching them grow can provide a sense of purpose and hope.

Gardening offers a holistic approach to promoting well-being, fostering connections with nature, and nurturing physical, mental, and emotional health for both children and adults.

For events, ideas of things you can do in the garden together or on your own and more information about National Children’s Gardening Week visit https://www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk/