Gardening might not be the first thing we think about as we observe the dreary autumn weather. In fact it was probably the farthest thing from my mind as I drove through the chilly and overcast countryside with my daughter on our way home from the store this evening. But given my daughter’s love for botany and after seeing this mini-greenhouse 
in the Ikea catalogue and hoping to bring my lovely potted herb garden (herbs in a pot = herb garden) in to the kitchen this winter I must admit it has been creeping into my mind a little bit here and there.
For most of us living within the city limits a garden might very well be the closest thing to ‘Nature Study’ that our children ever experience. Here is a lovely little article by James Witmer in The Curator that I stumbled upon today with more than a few good reasons to enjoy the beauty of His earth together with your children.
So, how does your garden grow? Is Nature Study a part of your home educating experience?
© Una-Melina // Worthy Books & Things, 2012.
Intentional Living 
Since my daughter is pre-kindergarten, I decided it would be a great time to jump in and be involved with the homeschool co-op in my area. I know that in years to come I will be busier with her more serious studies (!) so I could handle the extra activity this year. (I am not the type who runs around town every day!) I wanted to include Charlotte Mason’s nature study ideas in our home education so I offered to coordinate a nature outing program for anyone in the co-op who might also be interestd. Another friend came alongside me and helps with coordinating the outings. We have visited many parks and trails in our area–most were new to us! The children have absolutely loved their time outdoors. The moms see that their children keep a nature sketchbook to whatever requirements they have set. We begin our time by eating our picnic lunches and listening to a classical music selection. Then we head out to the trail and enjoy the fellowship. We have learned some surprising things about God’s creation. Mostly, we have been blessed by just getting out and moving in such lovely settings! I look forward to exploring your posts now that I have found your blog. Thank you!
Linda,
Oh how lovely! Nature Study, picnics with classical music, sketching, fellowship and friends. Sounds like you will have many years of joyous learning ahead.
Thank you Una-Melina for posting this and the previous post!!! In light of cleaning up our now wilty and frost-bit garden, road travel, accounting, goal setting, and household organizing, I desperately needed this reminder that I can put things in order first and relax into schooling in a few weeks. My home will be happier for it and I will be much less stressed. 🙂 This is good, good stuff. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
Donna,
Thank you for your kind words. It is my hope and privilege to be an encouragement to other home educators. Your words then in turn have also blessed me. 🙂 Enjoy tending to your garden, and attending to the many details of what sounds like a very full and blessed life with your children as you continue on this incredible home learning journey!