Lee Connelly (aka The Skinny Jean Gardener) wrote an article for us in The Westland Garden Spring/Summer 2025. Lee Connelly is a presenter, writer, and prominent figure in horticulture and gardening education. Here is an extended version of his article.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or carer, being outside with children – connecting with nature and doing hands-on gardening – is vital to their development…and your relationship. Presenter, campaigner, and prominent figure in gardening education, Lee Connelly (aka The Skinny Jean Gardener) explains more.
There’s no better way to connect with your children than by stepping outside and going into the garden together. In a world where screens are the centre of attention, gardening offers a perfect opportunity to unplug, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the great outdoors as a family.
Spending time in the garden with kids isn’t just about growing plants, it’s about growing memories. Being outside, growing together, and designing and building your space as a family, can far outweigh any games console or movie night. Whether you’re planting seeds, pulling weeds, or walking amongst the leaves, gardening teaches children valuable lessons about patience, responsibility, and caring for life.
Beyond the plants themselves, gardens provide endless learning opportunities. Children can explore the life cycle of plants; discover how food grows, and even understand how insects and animals play their part in the wider ecosystem. But the benefits don’t stop there, as gardening encourages creativity for children to really go wild and get messy – along with healthy eating too! This is one of the reasons I push so hard for horticulture to be on the national curriculum, as you really can learn so much in so many ways.
But it’s not just the softer or more educational skills. It’s about memories. From my own experience as a father, gardening is a fantastic way to bond with your children as you share the excitement of seeing the first green shoots or discovering that your carrots have finally sprouted! Some of our family’s fondest memories have been created by being outside and growing plants.
Spending time in the garden also has some incredible mental health benefits. The simple act of being outdoors and surrounded by greenery can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being for both children and parents. It’s a breath of fresh air – literally and figuratively.
For parents, gardening with their kids means slowing down and enjoying those small but meaningful moments together. There’s something truly special about kneeling side-by-side, teaching them how to plant a seed, or watching their faces light up when they see their first sunflower bloom. I always feel like a magician around my daughter as we can make real magic happen in the soil!
Gardening projects for kids
No matter how much space you have outside – or whether you’re a gardener or not – these are three fun and easy gardening projects:
1. DIY seed bombs: roll up your sleeves and create seed bombs using a mix of wildflower seeds, compost, and clay. Once dried, throw them around your garden or local green spaces to watch beautiful flowers pop up in unexpected places.
2. Bug hotels: build a bug hotel using bits of wood, old bricks, and even pine cones. Not only is this a creative activity, but it also gives a home to the insects that help your garden grow!
3. Mini veggie patch: set up a small, raised bed or container garden for the kids to grow. Let them grow what they love to eat! It’s a great way to introduce them to where their food comes from and get them excited about healthy eating.
So, why not make this year the year you and your children reconnect with nature? The garden is a magical space where both plants and relationships can grow, and the memories you create together will last long after the flowers have faded.
