Written by Marnie Corcoran
In our small backyard, the world slows down and something extraordinary unfolds. Tiny hands explore the soil, and two little boys discover peace in life’s simplest moments. As both a mum and a teacher, I’ve always valued the importance of mindfulness, but it wasn’t until we began tending our garden that I truly witnessed its transformative power. What started as a few pots of flowers, a raised garden bed, and a patch of green has blossomed into a haven for my sons, aged 5 and 7 — a place where emotions settle, senses awaken, and life moves at just the right pace.
But it’s not just the flowers and fruits. The boys love digging in the raised garden bed, searching for worms and watching bugs go about their tiny lives. Their fascination with the unseen world beneath the soil is a reminder that there’s magic in the small things. Sometimes, they’ll spend an hour turning over the dirt, giggling when they uncover a wiggling worm. These moments, grounded in curiosity and connection, are priceless.
When my youngest son feels overwhelmed, he wanders over to the lavender bush. He presses the soft purple blooms to his nose, inhales deeply, and says, “It smells like calm, Mum.” That single moment, a pause in his busy little world, speaks volumes. For him, the lavender is more than a plant; it’s a tool that helps him reset and find balance. For my oldest son, it’s the vibrant colours of the flowers that draws him in. The bright reds, yellows, and oranges planted in pots around the yard bring him joy. He notices every new bloom, marvelling at nature’s palette. Together, we watch the apples on our tree slowly grow and ripen. It’s become a lesson in patience, a quiet practice in delayed gratification. Each time he asks, “Are they ready yet?” and I reply, “Not yet, but soon,” he smiles, knowing the wait will make the reward even sweeter.
Watering the garden has become a cherished ritual, especially for my youngest. He holds the hose, letting the water arc over the plants, the sound soothing him in ways words never could. He once described it as “making the garden happy.” And in turn, I see how it makes him happy -how it helps him process his emotions without even realising it. One of my proudest moments was when my eldest son carefully collected seeds from our lettuce plants. It was slow, deliberate work, but he didn’t rush. He focused, gently pulling each tiny seed and placing it in a bag. Watching him, I realised how deeply these small mindfulness activities have taken root in their lives. These aren’t just gardening tasks; they’re life lessons in patience, care, and presence. As a teacher, I know the pressures children face in structured environments. As a mum, I see how those pressures can spill over into their emotions. But here in our garden, there are no grades, no deadlines – just the rhythm of nature and the freedom to explore it. These daily moments in our backyard have taught me that mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes, it’s as simple as picking a ripe blueberry or watching a worm wiggle through the soil.
I’m not suggesting you need a sprawling garden to experience these benefits. Our backyard is small, just a patch of green, some pots, and a raised bed. But even in this modest space, the lessons are abundant. Gardening has given my boys a way to process their emotions, to ground themselves, and to connect with the world around them. And it’s given me, as their mum, a chance to watch them grow – not just as gardeners, but as individuals. So, if you’re looking for a way to slow down, to reconnect as a family, and to give your children a space to process the big emotions that come with being little, I invite you to start small. Plant a pot of herbs, hang a basket of flowers, or start a tiny garden bed. The rewards, I promise you, will be far greater than the effort. In our backyard, surrounded by the scent of lavender and the hum of bees, we’ve found more than just a garden.
We’ve found a way to be present, to breathe, and to grow—together.
Follow our gardening journey on Instagram :
@ the_academic_gardener