We planted some grape hyacinth bulbs today. Some of the children have seen or helped their parents to plant similar bulbs at home. Gardening is great because it is so practical and hands-on – it’s an activity that is full of decisions that children have to make (how full to make the potting mix, does my bulb look as if it’s pointing up, is it covered up well enough, how much water should I give it?) actions that they have to do, and then a lot of follow-up over coming weeks. We heard about how some of their plants at home have died, and some of their trees too – and how some trees have got green leaves again since we have been able to water them. This was a good chance (one of those perfect teachable moments) to tell the children why we actually need to look after our trees and plants and not break branches off – because the leaves make the air that we breathe. What happens if there’s no air? The children knew that meant that we would die too.