Sometimes the best play prompts are the natural ones in your backyard! Here are 10 simple activities which offer opportunities to explore natural flowers, & encourage discovery, learning & creativity.
Minnie first explored this set up when she was two years old. I set out 4 jam jars, 1 large jug of water, & a few mini sunflowers & sweet peas from our garden for her to discover.
She independently arranged & rearranged the flowers, poured the water from container to container, & was completely absorbed in this activity. She was able to predict & adapt as she positioned the flowers & transferred the water, & able to explore size, shape, colour & scent.
2. Go on a Bug Hunt
How many bugs can be found hiding around the flowers in your garden? Which plants do they prefer? Which minibeasts are in the flowers, & why do you think they're there? How about using our bug spotter sticks to mark where you found them.
3. Garden Tea Rooms
Add a few flowers from your garden to a tea set & you have your own garden tea rooms/kitchen, ideal for concocting recipes with natural ingredients.
4. Flower Play Dough
We added lavender to a batch of homemade play dough, but you could use any flowers. Check out Nurturestore's beautiful garden play dough.
5. Flower Head Finds
Collect flower heads & add them to vase of water. A perfect activity for toddlers who sometimes forget to pick flower stems, & a great way to use wind beaten flowers. This alternative flower display may also attract some wildlife too, like our mini snail!
6. Grow your own flower salad.
A number of garden flowers can be added to salads to create a tasty colourful dish.
We've used:
Nasturtiums
Chive blossom
Garlic blossom
Violets
Runner bean flowers
Pansy petals
Calendula/marigold petals
Cornflower petals
Rose petals
& there are many more that can be added. (Always check flowers are edible before sampling them!)
7. Create a magic Nature Wand
Collect favourite flowers, leaves & nature finds & make your own nature wand.
8. Create your own natural dye from Sunflowers.
9. Make your own confetti
These activities not only encourage much play & learning, but offer an opportunity to explore nature both indoors & outside, so whatever the weather you can enjoy exploring fresh flowers from you garden.