Gardening for beginners, little beginners

By Brandie Majeau
The Thorhild County Family Centre recently organized a wonderful Little Green
Thumbs workshop at the Thorhild Swimming Pool Playground, offering a delightful
opportunity for young garden enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of
gardening. The workshop aimed to not only get children actively involved in planting and
gardening but also to provide them with a multi-sensory learning experience and a
platform to develop various skills.
The event was designed to engage the children’s senses through tactile
stimulation as they dug into the soil, transplanted baby spider plants, and explored the
natural texture and feel of gardening. By involving the senses, the workshop aimed to
enhance the children’s sensory perception and motor skills while fostering an
understanding of the responsibilities associated with caring for living things.
The young participants eagerly embraced the hands-on activities and, in the
process, gained a deeper appreciation for the science behind nurturing plants, as well
as the care, confidence, and patience required to ensure their survival. This not only
instilled a sense of responsibility towards their “spider babies” but also laid the
groundwork for future discussions on understanding living things and the
interconnectedness of nature.
While the children were engrossed in their gardening tasks, the Thorhild County
Family Centre ensured that the workshop provided a nurturing and supportive
environment reminiscent of the foundation of its programs. The structured projects were
balanced with opportunities for free play, allowing the children to repurpose their
gardening tools as sand shovels and indulge in creative, unstructured play. The
camaraderie among the children was evident as they took turns on the swings and
slides or coming together to build imaginative creations in the sand.
The Little Green Thumbs workshop not only offered a rich learning experience for
the children but also provided a welcome reprieve for the parents. It became a moment
for parents to relax, connect, and share amusing anecdotes about managing the

demands of summer schedules and parenting during the holidays. The laughter and
mutual support among the parents created a heartwarming atmosphere, reinforcing the
sense of community and togetherness within the group.
As always, the Thorhild County Family Centre played a pivotal role in facilitating
the workshop, offering a supportive environment and a range of engaging activities. The
event not only brought joy and support to the children and parents but also provided a
valuable opportunity for everyone to step away from the busyness of daily life, engage
in physical activity and acquire new knowledge in a nurturing and inclusive setting.