School Spotlight: Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School We are truly grateful to have had the opportunity to plant seeds of positivity at Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School . From the moment we arrived, we were embraced by the uplifting music playing outside at the drop off line that greeted us, setting the tone for a truly inspiring day. The warm welcome from their friendly administration and the outstanding, respectful students made our visit memorable and impactful. It is clear that the spirit of their school truly shines. You Are a Gardener® Assembly at Catherine A. Dwyer School, Wharton, NJ This is one of the first Blue Ribbon Schools we have connected with. This national award is rooted in excellence, recognizing schools that demonstrate exceptional teaching, learning, and a commitment to closing achievement gaps. Being designated as a Blue Ribbon School like Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire school community, including administrators, teachers, students, and parents. It highlights a positive and inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. "Thank you so much for coming, Shanna. The kids loved the assembly and there were many important messages which fit seamlessly with our character education curriculum. We appreciate the PTA for coordinating such a fabulous program. " ~Ms. Alexa Case, School Counselor Our collaboration with this Blue Ribbon School provides an exciting opportunity to enhance their already thriving educational programs with our You Are a Gardener® Social-Emotional learning initiative. We aim to support their efforts by introducing tools and practices that promote emotional resilience and well-being among students. Together, we can cultivate a nurturing atmosphere that empowers young minds to navigate challenges with confidence and creativity. The #PullYourWeeds® SEL Assembly at the Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School Fall 2024 We are thrilled to contribute to their journey and look forward to seeing how our partnership will further enrich the lives of their students, planting seeds for a brighter and more inclusive future. " The assembly was great! Not only is it a great way to enhance our character education but it's a fun connection to our science curricula as well." ~ Katie Nangle, Library S.T.E.A.M. Specialist A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Catherine A.Dwyer PTO for facilitating the connection and supporting the You Are a Gardener® program. Their efforts have helped create a nurturing environment for growth and learning, and we are excited to be a part of their journey. We eagerly anticipate attending their Arbor Day celebration in the spring, which promises to be a wonderful occasion to come together once again. "Thank you, Shanna, for the kind words, these resources and a great assembly. I work at another school in the district and I even heard good things about the program there, so the word is spreading.  We look forward to working with you again in the spring for Arbor Day." ~ Christina M. Catherine A. Dwyer PTO In the meantime, we hope to help the program take root in the classrooms and have compiled a curated collection of resources and activities designed to keep the You Are a Gardener® mindset flourishing in their school all year long. This information is accessible through a private link specifically for their school district, providing easy and organized access to all the materials needed to keep it growing. Thank you once more to the Catherine A. Dwyer community for this incredible experience. It was a joy to witness the enthusiasm and engagement of your students and staff. We cannot wait to see how the seeds we've planted together will grow and flourish in your community. We will see you in the spring at your Arbor day celebration! Is you school ready to dig into the You Are a Gardener® educational programs and #PullYourWeeds® assemblies? Contact Us today for a quote at flowers@youareagardener.com Discover the heartwarming journey of You Are a Gardener® at Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School, a Blue Ribbon School where positivity and growth thrive.

Fall Into The Pages of You Are a Gardener® ! Our children's book is dedicated to spreading the seeds of emotional empowerment and resilience for gardeners of all ages. We use gardening vocabulary as emotional metaphors: flowers symbolize our joy and gratitude, weeds represent our stress and struggles, gardening tools are our coping skills, and seeds embody the positive ways we move forward and flourish through life's challenges. This delightful book is perfect for use at home, in schools, during counseling sessions, or for homeschooling. Its message is rooted in planting the seeds of positive change within ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. Let’s nurture positive growth together by cultivating more seeds of kindness, love, respect, inclusivity, empathy, compassion, and integrity. Purchase your signed copy today and let’s grow! All books are signed by the author, Shanna Truffini and can be personalized at no additional charge! Fall Into The Pages of You Are a Gardener® and cultivate emotional empowerment and resilience through the power of gardening metaphors. Purchase your signed copy today!

Hello, gardeners! Today, we are excited to introduce a Halloween printable that focuses on transforming Weeds to Seeds (stress into success). Our Weeds to Seeds Halloween Feelings Flashcards are enjoyable tools for use at home, in schools, or during counseling sessions. Encouraging 'gardeners' to express their 'weeds' (uncomfortable feelings, thoughts, and emotions) is important for their social and emotional growth. Scroll down to download our free printable flashcards & scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! <> Helping young gardeners identify these emotions equips them with the understanding of how crucial it is to recognize when we are caught in the weeds . By equipping young gardeners with healthy and positive 'gardening tools' (activities that promote calmness and confidence), we can foster a healthy approach to converting our weeds (negative emotions) into opportunities for learning and growth. To utilize our Weeds to Seeds Halloween Feelings Flashcards, simply download the free printables , cut out the flashcards, and have younger gardeners select a feelings card, then choose a corresponding healthy 'gardening tool' flashcard. We also included blank flashcards for gardeners to identify their own feelings and choose healthy 'gardening tools that they can relate to.' Keep nurturing your growth through challenges gardeners, and enjoy our Halloween-themed SEL activity! Hey gardeners, did you make print out our Weeds to Seeds Halloween Feelings Flashcards? If so, congratulations, you can collect the "Halloween Feelings Flashcards" Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Transform stress into success with our Weeds to Seeds Halloween Feelings Flashcards! Help young gardeners recognize and cope with uncomfortable emotions.

Hello, gardeners! In the spirit of Halloween, we're excited to introduce a delightful gratitude activity called Gratitude Ghosts! This engaging exercise is perfect for gardeners of all ages to take a moment of mindfulness and reflect on the things we appreciate during this festive season . Our free activity sheet serves as an excellent resource for use at home, in schools, or during group sessions. Cultivating gratitude helps us maintain a calm and appreciative mindset as gardeners. Recognizing the 'flowers' — our positive thoughts and feelings — in our gardens can sometimes require effort. It's essential to pause and celebrate the beautiful blooms all around us. To make your Gratitude Ghosts, simply scroll down to access our free, printable activity sheet. On each ghost, write down something you are grateful for; a person, a place, an experience, or even a little joy that adds brightness to your day. For a fun Halloween twist, focus on things you're thankful for during this festive season. Once you've finished, feel free to color or decorate your ghosts with spooky designs and vibrant colors, ensuring that each one is spooktacular! << Scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity!>> <> Once your Gratitude Ghosts are complete, consider displaying them in a special spot at home or in the classroom as a daily reminder of positivity and thankfulness. You can even create a Gratitude Ghosts garland to celebrate the spirit of gratitude throughout the season by cutting each ghost. This activity not only encourages reflection and mindfulness but also fosters a collective spirit of appreciation, as everyone shares the things they cherish most. Engaging in activities like Gratitude Ghosts can strengthen our emotional resilience, helping us focus on the positive aspects of our lives. By regularly acknowledging our 'flowers,' we can cultivate a garden of gratitude that nurtures our well-being and enhances our connections with others. So, gather your materials gardeners and let your Gratitude Ghosts float through your garden of thankfulness, celebrating the joys that make life truly special. Happy Halloween, gardeners! Hey gardeners, did you print out our Gratitude Ghosts? If so, congratulations, you can collect the '"Gratitude Ghosts" Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Cultivate a spooktacular spirit of gratitude with Gratitude Ghosts! Embrace the festive season by reflecting on the things you appreciate most.

Ooey Gooey Popcorn Pumpkin Treats - Hello, gardeners! Today, Gardener Anna is experimenting with a delightful Halloween-themed treat in the gardeners’ kitchen. This easy and ‘spooktacular’ recipe requires just three ingredients... no tricks, only treats! Gardener Anna melted marshmallows and butter on the stove, then combined them with her favorite organic popcorn in a large baking dish. To give this ooey gooey treat a festive flair, she used her pumpkin cookie cutters! Once the popcorn mixture was spread out, Anna pressed the cookie cutters into the gooey goodness, creating fun pumpkin shapes that were as delicious as they were cute. The best part of experimenting in the kitchen is that it allows gardeners of all ages to engage their creativity and imagination. Exploring different ingredients, textures, and flavors, enhances our sensory experiences. Cooking and baking together helps build on communication and cooperation skills. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with family and friends, fostering a sense of fun, belonging and teamwork. Emotionally, it also boosts confidence when we successfully follow a recipe or come up with their own creations. Gardeners feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in our culinary achievements. Not only is it fun, but this kind of kitchen experimentation like Gardener Anna’s Oooey Gooy Popcorn Treats, also builds foundational skills such as measuring, counting, and following instructions, which can reinforce academic learning and keep gardeners in a mindful moment. It’s a delightful way for gardeners of all ages to learn and grow, making the kitchen a perfect canvas to pull your weeds and plant positive & tasty seeds! Check out more 'spooktacular' Halloween recipes, crafts & activities... .Click Here! Hey gardeners, did you make Gardener Anna's Ooey Gooey Popcorn Treats? If so, congratulations, you can collect the ' Ooey Gooey Popcorn Treats" Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Unleash your creativity with Ooey Gooey Popcorn Pumpkin Treats! Join Gardener Anna in the kitchen for a 'spooktacular' and delightful Halloween-themed recipe.

Today we are highlighting a school that shines! Recently, we had the pleasure of introducing our #PullYourWeeds® assembly to 615 students at Delran Intermediate School (DIS) for grades 3-5 in Delran, NJ. This project began when the school's very supportive and caring school counselor, Jesse Jones, contacted us regarding initiatives rooted in kindness, empathy, and respect for their students. Gardener Shanna & DIS School Counselor, Jesse Jones 10/9/24 We had such a warm and welcoming greeting from the school’s administration when we entered their beautiful campus, and throughout the assembly, the students were highly engaged and incredibly respectful. What made the assembly even more special was that Mr. Jones had the students prepare a "You Are a Gardener" activity sheet that focused on core values such as integrity and compassion. It was so delightful to see all their hard work. Gardener Aidan particularly enjoyed assisting with the slideshow, and his presence showcased what it truly means to grow up as a "gardener." We are incredibly grateful for the connection we made with Mr. Jones and the entire DIS community. It is truly delightful to collaborate with a school that boasts such a supportive administration and counseling department like DIS. This experience highlights the significance of nurturing each student's social and emotional well-being by providing the essential support, resources, and tools they need to thrive. In addition to the assembly, the staff of DIS has access to a private web link packed with curated resources, activities, and links to help keep the You Are a Gardener® program flourishing in their classrooms. Thank you, DIS, for such a memorable experience! We can’t wait to see how this initiative grows... You are gardeners! We love researching the beautiful towns we get to visit. Here are some fun facts about Delran, NJ: Historical Roots : Delran was originally part of the larger township of Beverly before it was officially established in 1897. The name "Delran" is derived from the combination of the nearby Delaware River and the word "ran," which means "to flow." Parks and Recreation : Delran is home to numerous parks and recreational facilities, including Delran Community Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. This makes it an ideal spot for outdoor activities and family gatherings. Education System : The Delran Township School District is known for its commitment to education, with several schools recognized for their academic excellence and innovative programs. Annual Events : The township hosts fun annual events such as the Delran Day Festival, where residents can enjoy live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages, fostering a strong sense of community. Strong Community Values : The residents of Delran take pride in their town, often coming together for community service projects and initiatives aimed at improving the local environment and supporting neighbors in need. We were genuinely grateful for the opportunity to visit Delran Intermediate School and sow the seeds of emotional empowerment among the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders there!

Hello Gardeners! It's always fun seeing the leaves start to fall, the pumpkins line the steps of homes, and the Halloween decorations light up neighborhoods. If you are looking for a way to get your kids involved in the Halloween spirit, keep scrolling to find a list of materials and directions for making these spook-tacular jack-o-lanterns! 🎃 Here's what you will need: 🎃TISSUE PAPER 🎃GLUE (add a tsp of water to 2 tbsp of glue) 🎃PAINT BRUSH 🎃 BLACK PAPER 🎃BALLOONS First, cut up your orange tissue paper into small squares. Blow up your balloons (water balloons work great for this craft!) and start to paint glue on your balloon and attach your tissue paper squares. Cover the majority of your balloon with a few layers of the tissue paper, then let it dry. Pop your balloon, trim any jagged edges, then apply your jack-o-lantern face. Place these jack-o-lanterns around your house, interspersed with gourds and candles, or place a battery-operated tea light inside to give them a warm, orange glow! This craft is #PullYourWeedsApproved because: ✓ In a way, it's a scientific exploration of glue! Watch liquid turn to solid. ✓ You can display it every year! Box it up with your holiday decor to enjoy for years. ✓ Patience is required!! Waiting for glue to dry can feel like forever, but crafts that teach us to be patient can help us strengthen those muscles. BLAST FROM THE PAST . . . Watch the most spooktacular episode of hello gardeners....if you dare! Get a signed copy of our children's book You Are a Gardener by clicking here! Hey gardeners, did you make our Spooktacular Jack-O-Lanterns? If so, congratulations, you can collect the ' Spooktacular Jack-O-Lanterns" Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Get your kids into the Halloween spirit with these DIY spook-tacular jack-o-lanterns! Follow our step-by-step guide for a fun and creative craft.

As gardeners, it’s essential to celebrate our achievements, regardless of their size. When we spend time focusing on what we did wrong, we spend little time celebrating what we do right. By planting seeds of gratitude and appreciation for our accomplishments, we can nurture a stronger sense of confidence and connection. Remember, gardeners, that celebrating yourself and being grateful for your accomplishments involves recognizing not only your achievements but also the hard work and dedication that led you there. So, take a moment to celebrate your journey and continue striving for even greater success! Today we are sharing some helpful tips on how to celebrate yourself, and stay grateful for your accomplishments. Scroll down for our tips and scroll all the way to down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for celebrating yourself! Gardener's Tips To Celebrate Yourself Write down your achievements: Make a list of everything you have accomplished, big or small. Seeing your accomplishments written down can help you appreciate them more. Treat yourself to some self-care : Do something nice for yourself as a reward for your accomplishments. It could be something as simple as taking a relaxing bath or using a crystal face roller. Share your success: Share your accomplishments with friends and family. Not only will they be proud of you, but sharing your successes with others can help you feel more grateful for them. Reflect on your journey: Take a moment to reflect on the path that led you to your accomplishments. Think about the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices you made along the way. Keep striving for more: Celebrating your accomplishments doesn't mean you should stop your momentum. Use your achievements as motivation to keep pushing yourself towards new goals. Remember gardeners, celebrating yourself and staying grateful for your accomplishments is not just about recognizing your achievements, but also about acknowledging the effort and dedication it took to get there. So take the time to celebrate yourself, and keep striving towards even greater success! Hey gardeners, did you celebrate one of your accomplishments? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the 'Celebrate Yourself 'Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! You Are a Gardener® goes beyond the pages of a children's book , it is an entire movement dedicated to empowering children at home and in school with a vocabulary, mindset and tools to manage stress and big emotions. Join our community and embrace the power of turning challenges into opportunities for growth through connecting children, families and educators with a shared emotional language. Through our inspiring #PullYourWeeds® initiative, we encourage children and adults alike to identify emotional obstacles and transform them into seeds of resilience, strength, and personal development. Celebrate Yourself: Acknowledging Your Accomplishments, No Matter the Size

Celebrating Community and Growth at Bottle Hill Day in Madison, NJ A heartfelt thank you to Madison, NJ, for another amazing Bottle Hill Day Festival! There was so much local love in the air, the weather was a picture-perfect fall day, and doing what we love and spreading positive seeds in a community we love is what our company is all about! <> We appreciate all our gardener friends who came out to support us, as well as the new friends we had the pleasure of meeting. We were thrilled to debut the third edition of our book at the festival, along with some ‘foxtastic’ accessories to showcase our gardener pride! Younger gardeners loved our origami station where Gardener Anna demonstrated how to make our origami foxes ! Days like this truly reflect the strong roots of our company. The turnout at Bottle Hill Day was a testament to the vibrant community spirit that surrounds us. Seeing familiar faces and new friends alike reinforced our belief in the importance of collaboration and support among gardeners.   A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, shared their 'gardening' stories, and supported our mission. Your enthusiasm fuels our dedication to fostering a strong gardening community. Hey gardeners, did you know that Madison, NJ is also known as the Rose City? The name "Rose City" was officially adopted in the early 20th century, reflecting the town's rich history of rose cultivation. Local residents initially began growing roses as a hobby, which quickly turned into a notable industry. Madison was also recognized for its unique rose varieties, which were often showcased in local gardens and parks. The beauty of these blossoms contributed to the town's reputation and the pride of its residents. Hey gardeners, did you know that Madison, NJ was originally known as "Bottle Hill" in the 18th century due to the many taverns in the area that served travelers. The name was changed to Madison in 1889 in honor of President James Madison. Here are some other fun facts: Cultural Hub : The town is home to Drew University, a liberal arts college founded in 1867. The university not only enriches the local culture but also hosts various events and performances that are open to the public. Beautiful Parks : Madison boasts several parks, including the expansive Drew Forest, which offers scenic trails and a peaceful environment for walking, jogging, and appreciating nature. Community Events : The town hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, such as the Madison Farmers Market, which features local produce and crafts, and the annual Madison Arts and Crafts Festival that showcases local artists. Architectural Charm : The downtown area features historic buildings and charming shops, giving it a quaint, small-town feel. Many of these structures date back to the 19th century, adding to the town's character. Educational Excellence : The Madison school system is highly regarded, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and extracurricular activities, contributing to the town's reputation as a great place for families. Local History : The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison provides insight into the town's history and its role in the development of local trades, showcasing artifacts and exhibits from different eras. From the vibrant booths filled with handmade crafts to the delicious aromas wafting from food vendors, the festival was a feast for the senses. Families and friends gathered on the lively streets, enjoying the music and entertainment that filled the air with joy. It was heartwarming to see everyone come together, celebrating the spirit of community and togetherness. We are grateful to be part of such a wonderful tradition and look forward to many more Bottle Hill Day festivals in the future. Thank you, Madison, for your warm hospitality and for making it a day to remember! <> Our family looks forward to this event each year and can’t wait for next year, gardeners! Until then, keep spreading those positive seeds in the Rose City! Experience the vibrant spirit of Madison, NJ at Bottle Hill Day. From local love to historical insights, celebrate community and growth with us!

Hello, gardeners! Today, Gardener Kelsey has an exciting new craft and video to share with us inspired by her vacation with her niece, Gardener Finn! Together they made a decorative DIY Tissue Paper Candle Holders using only tissue paper, mod podge, and a water bottle. This delightful activity is perfect for gardeners of all ages to participate in and enjoy. Scroll down to watch Gardener Kelsey's video tutorial, to get the step-by-step instructions, and scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Press Play To Watch Gardener Kelsey & Gardener Finn's Video > 🍂 To get started, you'll need a few simple materials : colorful tissue paper in autumn shades, a clean and dry water bottle, some mod podge, and a paintbrush.🍂 -First, carefully cut the water bottle in half, ensuring the edges are smooth and safe to handle. This will form the base of your candle holder. -Next, tear or cut the tissue paper into small pieces. You can use a variety of colors to create a vibrant mosaic effect. Using the paintbrush, apply a thin layer of mod podge to a section of the bottle, then gently press a piece of tissue paper onto the glue. Continue this process, overlapping the tissue paper pieces slightly, until the entire surface is covered. -Once all the tissue paper is in place, apply another layer of mod podge over the top to seal it and give it a glossy finish. Allow it to dry completely. When it’s ready, you can place a small LED candle inside to illuminate your beautiful creation. Engaging in this fall craft activity offers numerous social and emotional benefits for gardeners of all ages: 🍂 It provides a wonderful opportunity for gardeners to bond with family and friends . Working together on a creative project fosters teamwork and communication, enhancing relationships and creating lasting memories. 🍂Making your own DIY Tissue Paper Candle Holders encourages self-expression and creativity. Selecting colors and designing the candle holder allows participants to showcase their unique artistic flair, boosting self-esteem and confidence. The process of creating something beautiful can be incredibly fulfilling and serves as a positive outlet for emotions. 🍂For younger gardeners, this craft helps develop fine motor skills and patience, while also providing a sense of accomplishment upon completion. For all gardeners, it can be a relaxing and meditative experience, reducing stress and promoting mindfulness. 🍂 Sharing the finished candle holders with other gardeners —whether as gifts or in your own home or classroom can instill a sense of pride and connection. Crafting together not only enriches one's creative skills but also nurtures emotional well-being and strengthens social bonds. This project is perfect for adding a cozy, festive touch to your home as the days grow shorter and the nights cooler. Happy crafting gardeners, and enjoy the warm, glowing ambiance of your handmade fall candle holder! Craft a cozy fall vibe with DIY Tissue Paper Candle Holders! Watch Gardener Kelsey's video tutorial and collect your Gardening Tool Badge. Happy crafting!

Today on the PullYourweeds® Blog, we're jumping into a Fun Fall Checklist designed to help you plant seeds for all the wonderful activities you wish to enjoy this autumn and to set the stage for an exciting season ahead. This enjoyable activity can be done at home, in school, or during a counseling session. Planting the seeds for fun future events significantly contributes to our social and emotional growth. Scroll down to print your ouwn Fun Fall Checklist & scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool badge for this autumnal activity! Click To Download Your Own Fun Fall Checklist Whether it's planning a fall festival, organizing an autumnal book club, or even just setting up a casual weekend picnic on a crisp fall day, these activities help foster connections and create lasting memories. They offer opportunities to meet new people, strengthen existing relationships, and build a sense of belonging. The excitement surrounding these events can elevate our spirits and provide us with something uplifting to look forward to. In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected, taking the time to plan and participate in enjoyable fall events can be a powerful way to nurture our well-being and happiness during the switch in seasons. So, as you embark on your fall adventures gardeners, remember that each seed you plant, each event you plan, and each memory you create is a step toward a more connected and joyful fall season. Embrace this autumn with open arms, relish the crisp air, and let the vibrant colors of fall inspire you to cultivate moments of happiness and togetherness. Here's to a season filled with warmth, laughter, and the simple pleasures that make life truly special. Happy fall, gardeners! Hey gardeners, did you write your own fun fall checklist? If so, congratulations, you can collect the '  Fun Fall Checklist ' Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Embrace the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall with our ultimate fun fall checklist. Plant seeds of joy and create lasting memories this season!

Proof Approved ☑️ We’re getting closer to launching the 3rd Edition of You are a Gardener ✨ What this means and why you should be excited: 🦊 Brand new illustrations 🦊 Fresh edits and rewrites 🦊 An abundance of free resources The message is unmistakable… nurturing a new generation of emotionally empowered gardeners! 🌻🌸🌱 Who this is for: 😊 YOU… regardless of age, background, or culture… you have the power to plant positive seeds within yourself, your community, and the world! 🎁 Perfect for birthday gifts, teacher gifts, graduation gifts, or just because! 📖We produce all our books in small batches, making each print run unique and limited in quantity.Pre-Order your copy today…books arrive soon!