Spring is a magical time, as a mom and teacher I really look forward to all of the hands-on learning we get to do in the spring. One of my favorites is growing our own spring grass baskets to be used as a centerpiece in our home or for Spring/Easter Baskets. We also make lots of self-care items from the garden in Spring: lip balm, bug repellent, herb salts, sunscreen, and much more. Spring is a time of renewal and self-care which for me happens mostly in the garden.
Making Spring grass baskets are easy and saves us from purchasing plastic grass for basket decor and can add a bit of natural green to your home any time of year. Growing lush green grass indoors or on your patio is easier than you think. Use a basket of grass as a trendy centerpiece on your table or replace plastic Easter basket grass with a natural and environmentally friendly alternative. Grass varieties that sprout and grow quickly, including ryegrass and wheatgrass, ensure your basket is ready for display in as little as three weeks. The grass survives for up to three months if kept watered and provided with sunlight.
When planning to make your basket, pick a manageable size basket. Dirt, seeds, and water can get heavy fast, so make sure the size of the basket you pick will not be too heavy. I use wheatgrass, these seeds can be purchased at most health food stores or online. It takes 3 weeks for your grass to sprout so think about when you want to have it out as a centerpiece. Make sure to look at the calendar and plan to plant 4 weeks from the date you want to display. A good tip is to make sure you use a basket you are not willing to get dirty or wet. Pick a basket that you can use for this project year after year.
Directions for making a DIY natural Spring Basket:
- Purchase seeds, wheatgrass prefered
- Soak seeds the night before making the basket
- Line the basket with a plastic bag (reused grocery bag is best!) or foil
- Add moist garden soil to basket
- Cover the top of the soil with wet wheatgrass seeds
- Cover the wet seeds with a light dusting of soil.
- Lightly water seeds. For best results, use a spray bottle to keep seeds moist daily.
- Place basket in a sunny location in your house or patio. If your grass grows quickly you can trim to the desired height with shears.
Another great activity this time of year is going on a nest hunt. Many birds and animals have made nests to have their offspring. Take time to go on a slow walk through your neighborhood looking for nests or burrows. If you walk under a tree and see a lot of bird droppings that is a clue you may have a nest above you. At my home, we love to find nests, name our bird residents and keep tabs on how many clutches they have. We currently have four hummingbird nests, one phoebe, as well as crows, woodpecker, hawk, and owls living in our yard. Our hummingbirds have an average of three clutches and our phoebes have two. Birds are fascinating and master builders. Try gathering materials with your kids and making a tiny birds nest. It is quite a challenge.
I hope spring brings you a fresh take on life and fun adventures for you and your family. Remember…never underestimate the healing power of a quiet moment in the garden, especially in the spring.
Blog Post was written by Kathleen Cobb
