Show Nature Some Love

With talk of Valentines, love and candy hearts in the air, I thought it might be the right time for this post. It’s sort of a love story – with a nature twist, of course.

Last summer, we planted a camellia from my childhood garden in our front yard. This wasn’t just any camellia; it was one my dad had planted from seed in his own garden more than 10 years prior – specifically with me in mind.

It wasn’t until after his death two years ago that my step-mom shared his hopes for the camellia with me. So you can imagine my mixed emotions at planting it in my own yard. I was terrified of destroying it while simultaneously hoping to see it blossom again some day.

Bringing the camellia into our front garden was a family affair. My hubby planted it and named it (“Bill,” after my dad) and the explorers and I have cared for it ever since.

I’d been hoping it would show some signs of life, but wasn’t counting on it. I figured we might go a year or more without any buds or blooms.

But last week something magical happened. It started with the big explorer spotting “Bill’s” first bloom. He was so proud! Within days, the camellia had nearly 10 precious pink flowers (none of which I photographed).

I was overjoyed, of course. It was such a special gift to see those tiny pink signs of life spring up. We had nourished the camellia in my dad’s absence hoping that someday it might bloom again. In spite of the trauma of transplantation, it had managed to do just that.

It was a great lesson for the explorers; to see that caring and nurturing things can make a difference.

Which got me to thinking about other ways kids can show nature some love. I came up with a few simple ways kids can give back to nature every day:

• Plant a tree from seed (or transplant a grown one!).
• Pick up litter during a neighborhood walk, at the park or in a local school or community garden.
• Plant a vegetable and/or wildflower garden.
• Hang a birdfeeder or set out a birdbath in the backyard.
• Practice the Leave No Trace principles when visiting wild places.
• Spend time in nature with friends.
• Discover their own favorite places in nature – and return to them often.

What’s your favorite way to help your kids show nature some love?