Getting your hands dirty is a surefire way to ignite those feel-good vibes and connect with nature. But hey, we get it—taking that first plunge can be intimidating. That’s why we’re firm believers in starting early; the sooner you dive in, the smoother the journey becomes. And let me tell you, once you dip your toes into the world of gardening, you’ll discover a treasure trove of interactive activities waiting for you right in your backyard.
Getting your hands in the dirt is one of the best things you can do to get those good feelings pumping through your body when it comes to connecting with nature. For some, it can be a real challenge. We believe the sooner you begin, the easier it becomes. Once you get started, you soon realise there are a whole lot of interactive activities you can do to get into your garden or nature space near you. This is exactly what we recently discovered in the Earth Craft Program: a 6-week, 1-hour session where a group of youth immersed themselves in nature, revamped garden beds, planted seeds with intentions, and more at Mosman Youth Centre.
For the first 3 weeks, we carried out all the heavy lifting while weaving in each topic. We readdressed the concept of waste as resources: breaking down steps we can take on a regular basis as prompts for us around the products we consume. To complete the day, we set up 2 worm farms where their kitchen scraps can be broken down to become nutrient-dense soil. Following this, we looked at regenerative practices where we reestablished the raised garden beds, incorporating wicking beds to make the whole process of gardening effortless and encouraging for both plants and gardeners. Then we worked on native ecosystems, exploring the functions and roles of various plants in a forest, how that can be represented in a garden, and then we planted up our own small-scale food forest.
In the final 3 weeks of the program, we got the chance to really absorb the magic of the gardens, the worm farms, and each other. At the heart of every garden, especially ones that last for years or generations, it’s the people that make it happen and keep it humming with life. Essential to food gardens is sustainability. Of course, this is a buzzword for our times, yet it is also a vital one for our future. In this topic, we explored what sustains us as individuals, how culture and diversity play a role, from the dishes we eat at the table to how we operate and express our unique and shared interests. Sowing seeds took us on a journey into each person’s dreams, aspirations, and goals, and how important it is to nurture them. We reflected on the work we’d done in the garden beds and worm farms. We discussed various signs and the steps to respond to ensure the ongoing success of the space. On the final week, the harvest ensued, as the soil drank in as much rain as it could. We made sounds with various small instruments, took moments to bask in the natural beauty of the gardens aided by the imaginative perspective of a frog, and played with the spontaneous, where whatever unfolds is a surprise.
If this program inspired you, got you excited, or perhaps touched your heart. Consider a program like this being offered at your local youth centre. We offer programs tailored for nature connection, waste education, sustainability, and gardening expertise. Let’s grow together!
Jake
