Muddy boots and belly laughs.
Playful gardening guides that help kids (and grownups) grow native plants, boost mental health, and create backyard habitats for wildlife.
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Backed by permaculture principles
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Designed for curious kids
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Climate action with real impact
Parent-Created • Kid Tested • Nature Approved
Childhood is drifting indoors.
In the age of tablets, social media and AI, many families are looking for simple, meaningful ways to support a healthier planet while raising joyful kids who are connected to nature.
Our G.R.O.W. Guides turn your backyard into a living classroom where kids ages 3-8 can learn how to garden, build confidence, and grow real habitat for wildlife that helps fight climate change.
Nature Connection
Kids thrive outside. Time in nature has been shown to support creativity, resilience and emotional well-being.
Climate Action
Even small outdoor spaces can help rebuild habitat and support local ecosystems. No experience needed!
Family Bonding
Shared outdoor projects strengthen connection, spark curiosity and build memories and skills that last a lifetime.
The G.R.O.W. Guide Journey
A Simple 4-Step Garden Adventure for Families
Each G.R.O.W. Guide is centered around a theme. Each theme builds upon the one before it to help children – and their grown ups – learn about nature and gardening through hands-on activities, curated learning materials and embodied outdoor experiences.
Under Your Toes
Have you ever wondered about the world hiding beneath your feet? The ground you walk on is more than just dirt – it’s soil and it’s full of life!
Skills gained:
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How to build healthy soil
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How to compost
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How to support decomposers
no.1
Soil, Compost & Decomposers
Native plants play a crucial role in our ecosystems. By gardening with them, we can add beauty to our homes while supporting pollinators and wildlife.
Skills gained:
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Native vs. invasive plants
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Right plant, right place
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The basics of planting & care
no.2
Plant for the Future
Gardening with Native Plants
no.3
Bug Buddies
Pollinators & Beneficial Insects
The health of our ecosystems rely on robust insect populations. Kids will discover the tiny – but mighty – world of bees, butterflies, ladybugs and more.
Skills gained:
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The importance of pollinators
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Helpful vs. harmful insects
- How to support helpful insects
Home Sweet Home
no.4
Learn how to provide real shelter, food sources and safe spaces for birds and animals – right in your own backyard, patio or balcony!
Skills gained:
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What animals need to thrive
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How to create healthy habitats
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Certify your wildlife habitat (NWF)
Creating Habitat for Wildlife
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This is for you if...
You have kids ages 3-8
You want a joyful alternative to screen time
You care about mental health and climate change
You want a beautiful garden that supports wildlife
You want your kids to learn real life skills
This may not be for you if...
You prefer decorative over nature-friendly gardens
You want a quick-fix rather than a learning journey
You'd rather keep your hands and boots clean
You don't want to grow native plants for wildlife
You prefer highly-technical gardening techniques
Each G.R.O.W. Guide includes:
Key Concepts – the don't-go-before-you-know section of key concepts and how-to's
Coloring Page – a hand-drawn illustration to color while learning about theme
Spotify Playlist – themed songs and podcasts to play while you're driving to/from adventures
Book List – 10 curated books about the theme that are generally available at public libraries
Try-This-at-Home – an activity that will spark curiosity in your little scientist
Garden Challenge – bring the concepts home by trying them in your own garden
Support the Movement – a list of local (Seattle) and national organizations/resources
Scavenger Hunt – search for subjects of the theme while adventuring in nature
Build-Your-Own-Adventure – an activity to help prepare for your next big adventure
Why These Guides Exist
I created these guides as a mom who wanted my kids to grow up connected to nature. Not just reading about it, but digging into it, wondering about it, and caring for it.
Along the way, I discovered how powerful small backyard actions can be. Native plants, healthy soil and habitats built with little hands truly do make a difference, both for wildlife and for the mental wellness of the families tending them.
G.R.O.W. Guides are my way of sharing that joy, so your family can grow together, learn together, and create your own corner of climate hope right at home.
- Katelin
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