It’s not easy to encourage technology-obsessed kids to ditch their screens. But getting them to put down their iPads and pick up a trowel? Well, that’s where English Gardens comes in.
This family-owned, Michigan-based shop is inviting budding gardeners to its stores for its monthly Super Sprouts club for kids ages 2-12 to explore gardening through hands-on fun.
“We’re looking for ways to get them away from their devices and away from the screens and reconnect with nature,” says Jennifer Youngquest, vice president of marketing with English Gardens.
While English Gardens has been hosting kids’ programs and activities for 20 years, this is the first time it’s offering a yearlong opportunity for children to explore gardening and nature.
“We want to demystify gardening,” Youngquest says – and take the intimidation factor out of it.
And that’s just what the folks at English Gardens will do on the second Saturday of each month through the Super Sprouts club. Kids can cultivate their green thumbs by attending a workshop where they’ll create their own butterfly feeder, hand-paint ladybug rocks, make treats for outdoor birds and more.
“I think the activities are very diverse and we tried as much as possible to make them free,” Youngquest says. Some classes require families to pay a small fee for supplies – like in January when kids will create their very own indoor fairy garden and get to take it home with them.
Parents, grandparents or guardians must attend each workshop along with the child. While staff is there to assist kids during the activities, parents must also be present to lend a helping hand.
“It’s an opportunity to spend some quality time with your child or grandchild,” Youngquest says.
While kids are unplugged from their devices, they’ll learn that lettuce comes from seeds, get the chance to plant some seeds and just might decide to plant their own ingredients for salad this summer – all thanks to English Gardens.
“We hope that it turns them into real gardeners,” Youngquest says.
Workshops at a glance
Super Sprouts classes are offered the second Saturday of the month at all five English Gardens locations: Clinton Township, Dearborn Heights, Eastpointe, Royal Oak and West Bloomfield.
Youngquest says registration is open until noon the day before each class. However, space is limited and varies by store, so she recommends families sign us as soon as possible.
Here’s a peek at 2018’s Super Sprouts offerings, times and fees, if any:
Jan. 13: Plant an Enchanted Fairy Garden
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Fee: $24.99
Feb. 10: Create a Bird Treat
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
March 10: Planting Seeds
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
April 14: Create a Worm Garden Flag
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Fee: Free
May 12: Mother’s Day Gift: Decorate and Plant a Pot
Time: 11 a.m.
Fee: $5
June 9: Hand Paint Ladybug Rocks
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Fee: Free
July 14: Butterfly Feeder
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Fee: Free
Aug. 11: Flower Print Note Cards
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Fee: Free
Sept. 8: Grandparent’s Day Gift: Decorate a Stepping Stone
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $5
Oct. 13: Halloween Party
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $5
Nov. 10: Thankful Tree
Time: 11 a.m.
Fee: $5
Dec. 8: Gingerbread-style House
Time: 11 a.m.
Fee: $5
Visit EnglishGardens.com or stop by your local English Gardens store to register for each class. Space is limited, so be sure to register well in advance to guarantee your child’s spot.