My First ABC Book of Houseplants Kids Workshop at Robert Plante Greenhouses
Last month, I had the privilege of hosting a children’s workshop at Robert Plante Greenhouses in Ottawa, where we delved into the world of plants with young budding gardeners aged 3-6. This interactive experience was inspired by my book, My First ABC Book of Houseplants, and provided kids a hands-on journey through the vibrant world of houseplants. Together, we explored plant care, creative pot-painting, and planting skills that both children and parents could take home.
Workshop Structure: A Fun and Educational Adventure for Kids
Our workshop kicked off by introducing four unique houseplants featured in my book. Each plant was chosen to highlight specific qualities like resilience, beauty, and adaptability, helping kids recognize and connect with plant life in new ways. Through interactive story-telling, we explored the importance of plants in our daily lives. Then, we transitioned into a practical activity—painting terracotta pots! This gave each child the chance to bring their own creative flair to their plant, making it a piece they could proudly take home.
The final step was planting. With guidance, the kids carefully placed a tropical or indoor plant into their newly decorated pots. As they patted the soil, we talked about the basics of plant care and how to nurture plants to grow happy and healthy. By the end, each child left with their decorated pot, a plant, colouring pages version of My First ABC Book of Houseplants to continue their journey at home.
What We Learned: Inspiring a Love for Plants
Throughout the workshop, children gained valuable lessons about plants and nature. From understanding why leaves change color to learning how roots work, every activity encouraged curiosity and wonder. For parents, the experience showed how children could connect with nature, build patience, and develop empathy by caring for a living plant.
Tips for Parents: How to Cultivate a Love for Plants at Home
If you’re looking to inspire your child’s love for plants, here are some practical tips you can try at home:
1. Choose Easy-to-Care-For Plants – Depending on the age of the child, start with low-maintenance houseplants like snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants, which are resilient and forgiving for young beginners.
2. Create a Plant Routine – Encourage children to water their plants on a set schedule. Kids love routine, and caring for a plant can be a meaningful addition that teaches responsibility.
3. Get Creative with Planting – Make plant care fun by letting children personalize their plant pots with paint, stickers, or even small stones. This adds a unique touch and fosters a deeper sense of ownership.
4. Observe and Journal – Take time to observe changes in the plant with your child. Notice new leaves, color changes, or how the plant grows towards the light. You could even keep a “Plant Journal” to track these changes and make plant care more interactive.
5. Read Together – Explore books like *My First ABC Book of Houseplants*, which introduces children to plant care through colourful illustrations and fun facts. Reading together can make plant learning accessible and exciting.
Nurturing an early appreciation for nature can have lasting benefits, from promoting mindfulness to fostering a respect for our environment. *My First ABC Book of Houseplants* is a delightful, easy-to-understand introduction to the wonderful world of plants for young readers. With each page, children can learn about a new plant and find joy in caring for something that grows.
Interested in creating your own family moments around plants? Grab your copy of My First ABC Book of Houseplants today and give your child the gift of discovery! Available now at Indigo, Ritchie and Seed, or through our online store. Let’s cultivate a love for plants together!