Gatherings!

As summer fades and fall weaves its way into out lives I look for ways to appreciate what nature brings to my life. I am thankful for the apples on the tree that I can grab at any time and slather them with almond butter for a yummy treat. I have lots of peppermint and chocolate mint, dried for tea by itself or to add to hot chocolate and other foods this winter. I have Lavender to flavor breads and honey, and it may even be honey from our hive this year! I have restrained myself from cutting back the dried up sunflower heads because I adore the little Goldfinches that appear and sing their high-pitched sweet song as they feast on the seeds, but other cuttings must go on to prepare for the next season. I enjoy seeing what happens at this stage in a plants life- it has emerged from the ground, budded and bloomed, revealed its beauty, and then begins to withdraw and produce seeds. Early autumn, is a great time for a project to teach children about nature. Be mindful when cutting back your plants to look for seed pods, dried flower heads, leaves, and stems that are unusual shapes and colors. Kids are very good at noticing the details of plants and there’s so much you can teach them by just taking a nature walk through your own or a friend’s backyard, a nearby park, or a public botanical garden. Show them how the dried flower heads and pods provide a protective shelter for their seeds. Talk to them about how color attracts bees and other pollinators to ensure that there will always be more plants. Notice how the sturdy stems and the graceful balancing leaves form the body of the plant and help it survive. Gather your favorite dried flower heads, stems, seeds, and leaves, in a basket or bowl, (be careful not to choose anything that is too prickly), and let your children make a picture with the gatherings. All you need is a sturdy piece of paper, (I prefer handmade paper), and a glue stick. Be free to let your thoughts play. Kids have no problem coming up with amazing designs. It’s a beautiful and educational way to pass a morning or afternoon and fulfills that never-ending desire we have to be creative beings. {Plants we chose are: flowers from Bee Balm, Lady’s Mantle, Blue Vervain, Calendula, Purple Coneflower, Wood Betony, Yarrow, Rose of Sharon, Elecampane, and Pincushion; pods from the Mexican Primrose and Campanula; and leaves from Lamb Ears, Yarrow, and Daisies} I’d love to see what everyone comes up with so please feel free to email me your masterpieces. Enjoy!