As we mark our 50th anniversary throughout 2026, our 50 voices series is celebrating the many ways time on the farm helps children grow, learn and thrive. This blog, written by Lower Treginnis farm school leader Katy Harries, shines a light on the quieter, creative moments of a farm visit. From flower sessions to time in the craft room, she considers the confidence, calm and sense of belonging they can help to nurture.
Flower sessions at Lower Treginnis
At Lower Treginnis, children experience styles of farming that they may not expect and one of these is through flower growing. Our visiting schools will participate in an hour’s flower session during their week at Lower Treginnis, which are planned to incorporate seasonal activities and tasks. The children are involved in – and indeed crucial to – every stage of the process. They build the flower beds (using a no-dig bed system), they sow the seeds, pot on seedlings, plant out, do the weeding and the watering, pick the flowers and then eventually produce the compost. Ready to start the cycle all over again!
Promoting skills and values
The flower sessions promote many of the values and skills that we champion here on the farms. The no-dig bed building encourages communication and teamwork, supporting each other and giving encouragement to their peers. The more physical jobs instil resilience, with the children encouraged to manage their own goals, to really gain that sense of independence and achievement. For those children who might not thrive in a more academic environment, it shows them that there are other avenues for self-worth and success.
The sessions can also be very mindful; sowing seeds carefully and selecting flowers for their bouquet. There is a real sense of calm. There is also that level of responsibility as the children are told they are part of a bigger picture and how the work they put in today will achieve results later in the year. This gives them ownership of the project and a delayed gratification. The very nature of gardening also encourages a discussion on dealing with those moments when things don’t go to plan and how to work through any challenges.
The picking of the flowers is completely child-led and the groups relish that level of trust and independence. They are shown how to pick the flowers without damaging the plant and then given free rein to arrange their bouquets as they choose. The boys especially often surprise themselves in how much they enjoy this part of the flower sessions, with the teachers remarking on how relaxed and calm they become while moving about the flower beds.
Making children and wildlife feel at home
The bouquets picked by the groups are used by them to decorate inside the building. This really helps them to feel at home and they will often talk about wanting to take their flowers back as presents for family members. The children also collect the seeds on flower sessions, to package up and sell in our farm shop. It is especially rewarding when children take these home to plant with their loved ones.
The flower beds are of course great for encouraging pollinators. The annual wildflower meadow planted by the groups creates habitats for insects and small birds or mammals. The Statice and Helichrysum (Strawflowers) are also picked, dried and then used in the craft room.
Connecting with nature through craft
We try to use as many natural resources as possible in the craft room so that the visiting groups are able to experience another way of connecting with nature. The craft room is completely free flow, with an optional guided activity if children need more structure. This gives the children independence and complete ownership of their creations, meaning they can experiment with different ideas without fear of failure.
The craft room gives them a purposeful, mindful focus and a quieter, calm space for those that need it. It gives them a chance to share any concerns or ask questions about the sessions or timetable. It also enables communication and conversation in a spontaneous, relaxed way. Children feel valued and nurtured.
A highlight of the craft room is the ‘graffiti’ table, where visitors to the craft room are allowed to sign their names. They can feel a part of the craft room and have a sense of belonging, knowing their name will be there for years to come.
Both the flower sessions and the craft room foster independence and boost self-esteem in a mindful way and it is wonderful to see those children who are maybe a bit more unsure at the start, grow in confidence and really flourish.
From growing knowledge and life skills through to boosting wellbeing and resilience, children and young people reap so many rewards from their week on the farm. Find out more about the benefits of a visit.
