Hello gardeners, today is all about ways to dig in and let your garden groove! In every garden, there are moments when we need to pull a weed, plant a new seed, or simply pause and feel the sunshine. Music is one of the most powerful gardening tools we can use to support those moments. Whether we’re dancing it out, tuning in to our feelings, or calming our thoughts, music has the ability to shift our energy and help us grow. 🎵 Scroll down to discover: 🎵 The emotional benefits of music How to match (or shift) your mood through sound Our brand-new Spotify  playlist: Gardener Grooves A creative gardening tool activity:   Make Your Own Playlist Garden Free Groovy Gardener Foxie coloring sheets  to keep the rhythm playful Collect your Gardener Grooves Gardening Tool Badge Let’s press play on positivity and keep our gardens growing strong—together. 🌱 We Are Live on Spotify! You Are a Gardener® is now on Spotify—bringing feel-good vibes and emotional wellness straight to your ears! Check it out > 🌱 The Benefits of Music in Our Emotional Gardens Lifts our spirits:  Upbeat music can energize and inspire us to move, smile, or see things from a fresh perspective. Supports emotional release:  When we’re feeling heavy, music can help us process, reflect, and gently let go. Encourages mindfulness:  Gentle soundscapes and calming rhythms can bring us into the present moment, creating a space to breathe and reset. Boosts creativity:  A good beat or beautiful melody can help us focus, express ourselves, and feel more connected to our inner world. Music helps us stay rooted in confidence, creativity, and calm— aka the 3C’s of Gardening™. 🖍️ Keep Scrolling down to download the Groovy Gardener Foxie coloring sheets and let the music move your crayons! 🎧 Dig Into Our Gardener Grooves We’re so excited to announce our brand-new Spotify channel —created to help gardeners of all ages bloom to the beat! Our Gardener Grooves  playlist is full of family-friendly, feel-good tunes to keep your energy blooming wherever you are. Whether you're getting ready for the day, going for a walk, or winding down after school or work—there’s a song to match your moment. 🌼 Click here to listen to Gardener Grooves on Spotify 🌿 Don’t forget to follow our channel —more themed playlists are growing soon! And if you’re craving something extra calming, don’t miss our post on Gardener Soundscapes —gentle nature-inspired tracks to help you find your breath and return to your roots. 👉 Read our Gardener Soundscapes blog post here. 🌼 Music Can Match—and Shift—Our Mood Have you ever noticed how certain songs seem to find  you when you need them most? Music naturally mirrors our emotions, but it can also guide them. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to what we’re listening to—especially when we’re feeling off balance. The lyrics, tone, and energy of a song can sink into our subconscious like water into soil. What we listen to helps shape what grows. So let’s get intentional with our playlists. If you’re feeling weedy—try a song that feels light, playful, or empowering. If you’re feeling joyful, celebrate it with something that makes your petals perk up even more! DOWNLOAD OUR FREE GROOVY COLORING PAGES PRINTABLES! 🎨 Bonus Printable: Groovy Gardener Foxie Coloring Sheets To keep the creativity blooming, we’ve also created some free Groovy Gardener Foxie coloring sheets  inspired by music and movement! These playful printables are perfect for gardeners of all ages to color while they listen to their favorite tunes or relax in their Calm Corner. Pair them with your playlists, classroom activities, or family downtime for an extra creative way to stay rooted in calm and joy. 🎶 Gardening Tool Activity: Grow Your Own Musical Garden Ready to grow your own musical garden? Here’s a fun and creative activity to dig into: 🌱 Create Your Own Playlist Garden: Make a few different playlists based on how you feel. Here are some ideas to plant the seed: 🌸 Petals Perk Up Playlist- For joyful energy  – Songs that bring smiles, excitement, and lightness to your day 🌿 Weed Pulling Playlist- For emotional release  – Music that helps you process, reflect, and gently move through tough feelings 🪴 Calm Corner Playlist- For quiet moments  – Tracks that ground you, soothe your thoughts, and help you breathe easy 🌼 Creativity Bloom Playlist- For inspired focus  – Tunes that spark imagination, support concentration, and help you express yourself 🎧 Encourage your family, classroom, or friend group to join in—then swap playlists and explore what helps each other grow. It’s a great way to build connection and discover the songs that keep your inner garden thriving! friend group to join in—then swap playlists and explore what helps each other grow. 🌼 Collect Your Gardening Tool Badge! Music is a powerful gardening tool because it helps us process emotions, express ourselves, and reconnect with what we’re feeling. Whether we’re dancing through the weeds or celebrating our flowers, music moves us forward. 🌟 Click on the badge to collect your Gardener Grooves Gardening Tool Badge for these activities—and don’t forget to tag us if you share your playlist @youareagardener! So whether you're pulling a weed, planting a dream, or just letting your petals perk up, remember—music is a powerful gardening tool that helps us stay rooted and rise. Let your garden groove with intention, joy, and rhythm—because every song we choose is a chance to grow. Keep blooming, keep listening, and let your garden groove. 🎶🌱

🌿 Tune In to Pause & Grow: Introducing Gardener Soundscapes™ 🎧 In every garden—and in every gardener—there are moments we need to pause, breathe, and return to center. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce a brand new way to help gardeners of all ages stay rooted in confidence, creativity, and calm… Scroll down to select your soundscape—and don’t forget to keep scrolling to collect your calming Gardening Tool Badge™ at the bottom! 🎧 Gardener Soundscapes: 25 Seconds to Recenter & Regrow  🎧 These short and soothing audio clips are designed to help you tune in, rebalance, and reinvent your mindset —wherever you are. Whether you’re in a busy classroom, winding down before bed, or simply needing a mindful moment in the middle of the day, a quick 25-second soundscape can gently guide you back to calm. Why Soundscapes Work: Science shows that listening to calming nature sounds—like birdsong or a breeze—can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost focus . In just seconds, your brain begins to shift from “fight or flight” into “rest and restore.” That’s the power of sound. How to Use This Gardening Tool: 🌱 In the classroom:  as a brain break to reset energy and focus 🌙 Before bedtime:  to wind down the day with calm 🌤️ Anytime you feel overwhelmed:  to bring your thoughts back into balance ✏️ During transitions:  to create mindful moments between activities Bonus Ways to Grow the Moment: As your soundscape plays, try one of these mini gardening tools: Close your eyes and set a positive intention 🌟 Pay yourself a kind compliment 💬 Visualize a goal you’d like to grow 🌼 This is mindfulness made simple, sound made soothing, and calm made easy. 🌸 Let’s keep growing moments of peace—one soundscape at a time. ✨ Gardener Soundscape™ - Nature’s Harmony: Featuring the soft rustle of the wind and the gentle song of birds, this clip is a breath of fresh air for your nervous system. Just press play and let nature do the nurturing. 🌼 Welcome to your moment of calm. 🌿 This soundscape is more than just nature’s music— 🔊 Turn the sound on and let it realign your breath, your mood, your energy. 🍃 Let the wind, the birds, and the whispering wildflowers guide you back to center. 🌱 Stillness is a powerful gardening tool. You can even play it again if you need more time—just know that sometimes, all it takes is 25 seconds to feel a little more rooted. ✨ Gardener Soundscape™ - Waterfall Whispers: Featuring the steady cascade of water and the soothing rhythm of nature, this clip is a refreshing cleanse for your nervous system. Just press play and let nature do the nurturing. 🌼 Welcome to your moment of calm. 🌿 This soundscape is more than just a melody of falling water— 🔊 Turn the sound on and let it wash over your breath, your mood, your energy. 💧 Let the waterfall, the mist, and the quiet rocks below guide you back to center. 🌱 Flow is a powerful gardening tool. Need a little more time? Hit replay—because even 25 seconds can help you reconnect and feel grounded. ✨ Gardener Soundscape™ - Rainfall Rhythms: Featuring the soft patter of raindrops and the peaceful pulse of a passing storm, this clip is nature’s lullaby for your nervous system. Just press play and let nature do the nurturing. 🌼 Welcome to your moment of calm. 🌿 This soundscape is more than just a rainy day tune— 🔊 Turn the sound on and let it settle your breath, your mood, your energy. 🌧️ Let the raindrops, the distant thunder, and the rhythm of renewal guide you back to center. 🌱 The sound of rain is a powerful gardening tool. Replay as often as you need—sometimes, a simple 25-second pause is enough to help you feel rooted again. 🎧 How Soundscapes Help Gardeners of All Ages: Soundscapes are powerful gardening tools because they: Help us regulate emotions and reduce stress Provide a grounding background for mindfulness and meditation Encourage focus and presence—great for journaling or creative time Soothe the nervous system and help with sleep Inspire imagination and visualization (planting positive seeds!) You Are a Gardener® is now on Spotify! 🛠️ Collect Your Gardening Tool Badge! Listening to a Gardener Soundscape is a healthy gardening tool because it helps gardeners of all ages pause, reset, and reconnect with themselves . That’s what emotional empowerment sounds like! Be sure to collect your new Gardening Tool Badge  and add it to your collector’s sheet. Click here to Collect Your Badge! Tune In to Pause & Grow: Introducing Gardener Soundscapes' for gardeners of all ages. In every garden—and in every gardener—there are moments we need to pause, breathe, and return to center. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce a brand new way to help gardeners of all ages stay rooted in confidence, creativity, and calm. These short and soothing audio clips are designed to help you tune in, rebalance, and reinvent your mindset—wherever you are.

This week, we’re turning up the volume on positive change as the seeds of You Are a Gardener®  continue to spread in meaningful new ways. We were honored to be featured on a powerful episode of the VIBE Mentor  podcast, hosted by Rebecca Dawn —an inspiring voice dedicated to helping others heal, grow, and thrive. 🌱 Rooted in Gratitude In our heartfelt conversation, we explored how the You Are a Gardener's® Gardener Mindset helps both children and adults break the cycle of negative thinking through a simple yet empowering gardening metaphor. From pulling our weeds (challenges) to planting seeds (growth and resilience), this episode is filled with emotional wellness tools and uplifting reflections for gardeners of all ages. Rebecca Dawn is a trauma healing and life purpose identification coach, multi-passionate mompreneur, course creator, YouTuber, and heart-led guide. Her journey—from humble beginnings to building a purpose-driven platform—is rooted in courage and compassion. Through VIBE Mentor , she empowers others to overcome self-doubt, discover their gifts, and live abundantly and authentically. We’re so grateful to Rebecca for inviting us to share our message and for creating a space where meaningful conversations can bloom. She asked thoughtful questions, held space with care, and reminded us of the beauty that grows when we come together to spread seeds of unity, resilience, and love. 🎙️ Podcasts like this help us turn up the volume on emotional empowerment.  Every episode, every listener, every shared story helps gardeners of all ages feel seen, supported, and inspired to bloom. 👉 We’d love for you to tune in! 🎧 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/1z6ciSbQ56Q?si=dWQMJDdH9cHPviDH 📌 ✨Don’t forget to subscribe to Rebecca’s channel, Vibe Mentor —she’s spreading seeds of love, resilience, and purpose with every conversation : https://www.youtube.com/@VIBEMentor 💬 After you listen, let us know what resonated with you most. We’d love to hear your thoughts and keep this conversation blooming-email us at flowers@youareagardener.com Together, gardeners, we grow. Join us as we explore Turning Up the Volume on Positive Change in a heartfelt podcast with VIBE Mentor. Discover tools for emotional empowerment today! #pullyourweeds #youareagardener #weedstoseeds #gardenermindset #emotionalresilience #mindsetshift #consciousparenting #hellogardeners #vibementor #purposefulliving

This week, we experienced a truly full circle moment at Harding Township School—where the very first seeds of You Are a Gardener®  were planted. We had the joy of presenting our K–4 assembly with both Gardener Anna and Gardener Aidan helping present, making it a meaningful and memorable milestone for our family. Gardener Anna & Gardener Aidan at our #PullYourWeeds® Assembly For Harding Township School June 2025 Gardener Anna, now in high school, graduated from HTS two years ago, and Gardener Aidan is preparing to graduate 8th grade next week. It was such a special experience for Anna to reconnect with the teachers and community that helped shape her journey. And to stand beside Aidan as he prepares to close this chapter where it all began—it’s something we’ll always treasure. Our book and programs were created when Aidan was in Kindergarten and Anna in 2nd grade, right here at HTS. So much growth has taken place in that time—not just for our family, but within the school and this beautiful community. We’ve grown alongside each other, rooted in kindness, compassion, and resilience. 1,2,3-PULL YOUR WEEDS! (press play) We are filled with gratitude for the support HTS has shown us throughout the years, and especially for the guidance and encouragement they've given to Anna and Aidan in their academic, athletic, and social journeys. A heartfelt thank you to school counselor Ms. Emily Thony and principal Dr. April Friedman for championing our program and coordinating a meaningful, impactful assembly. Both shared beautiful testimonials that touched our hearts and reminded us why this work matters. Dear Shanna,  What a special treat it was to have you, Anna, and Aidan present to our Kindergarten through 4th grade classes this morning. To be a part of your family's journey at HTS has been incredible, and I am so grateful to you for sharing your gifts of joy, kindness, empathy, and growth. Your message is simple yet powerful and relatable to so many. Watching Anna and Aidan "grow" in more ways than one is a testament to you, not only as their mom, but as someone who has taken on this concept of spreading their seeds in such a beautiful way. I am honored to still have the original You Are A Gardener book. I still remember hearing about the birth of this book, and the journey you have taken it to is quite inspiring. Thank you again for spreading your own seeds of kindness to our HTS community. ~Emily Thony, School Counselor Thank you so much for coming today and sharing your important message with our students. You have something with this entire concept! Keep building it and spreading the message! ~April H. Friedman, Ed.D. Harding Township School, you are gardeners—nurturing young minds, growing with intention, and blooming with heart. Thank you for being such a big part of our garden. HTS—keep it growing. We’re rooting for you always. 🌱✨ ~Gardener Shanna, Gardener Anna & Gardener Aidan

Ready to roll into a fun and imaginative activity? Our Fox & Roll craft  is a hands-on paper craft inspired by our mascot Foxie—and it’s the perfect way to blend creativity and connection. Whether at home, in the classroom, or during a rainy-day reset, this fox craft invites gardeners of all ages to cut, glue, and create something joyful together. Crafting strengthens fine motor skills, encourages self-expression, and gives gardeners a chance to focus their energy in a fun and rewarding way. Plus, it sparks conversations about emotions, storytelling, and growth—all through the playful lens of Foxie the fox! 👉 Scroll down for step-by-step instructions and to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! 🌱 What You’ll Need: Orange, white, pink, and black construction paper Googly eyes Glue stick or tape Scissors Empty toilet paper roll 🦊 Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. Wrap it up! Cut a large rectangle from orange paper and wrap it around the toilet paper roll to create the fox’s body. 2. Make the face. Cut and assemble the fox head—add ears, a white face patch, googly eyes, and a small black nose. 3. Add arms and legs. Glue two small arm shapes to the sides of the roll and two leg pieces near the bottom front so the fox looks like it’s sitting. 4. Add the tail. Cut out a curved orange tail and glue a white tip to the end. Attach it to the back of the roll. 5. Bring it to life! Glue the finished head to the top front of the roll—and say hello to your new crafty companion! CLICK THE BADGE TO DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR COLLECTOR'S SHEET > Collect Your Gardening Tool Badge! Creating with our hands is one of the many ways we stay rooted in confidence  and creativity . Fox & Roll is a gardening tool that helps gardeners of all ages express themselves, build focus, and feel proud of what they’ve made. Keep growing your toolbox! Each badge is a reminder of the skills we’ve practiced and the growth we’ve nurtured along the way. When we collect badges, we’re not just celebrating what we made—we’re honoring how we showed up, stayed curious, and kept creating. 📸 We’d love to see your Fox & Roll in full bloom!   Send us a photo or tag us @youareagardener to be featured. Let’s keep spreading seeds of creativity—one crafty fox at a time! 🌸 Let’s Keep It Rolling Whether you’re crafting solo or with a group, Fox & Roll  is more than just a cute paper project—it’s a chance to pause, play, and plant seeds of imagination. Hang your fox in a special spot, use it in storytelling, or give it as a handmade gift from the heart. However you roll with it, this crafty fox is sure to bring smiles and spark growth. Discover the joy of Fox & Roll Craft! Dig into this imaginative activity for gardeners of all ages, blending creativity and connection and collect your gardening tool badge!

Wherever You Grow This Summer… We’re Here to Support You on Your Journey- As the seasons shift and summer begins to bloom, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what helps us grow. Whether you’re heading off on a new adventure, staying close to home, or simply slowing down to soak in the sunshine, one truth remains: your garden grows wherever you grow. At You Are a Gardener® , we believe that emotional growth doesn’t take a vacation. It travels with us—in the choices we make, the connections we nurture, and the moments we choose to pull our weeds and plant new seeds. From lazy porch swings to exciting road trips, summer offers a beautiful opportunity to notice what’s blooming inside and around us. Wherever this season takes you, know that we’re here—cheering you on, offering gardening tools to stay rooted in confidence, creativity, and calm, and reminding you that every moment holds the potential to grow forward. Why You Are a Gardener®  Is a Must-Have Book This Summer Plant seeds of growth, connection, and calm—wherever you grow! 🌱 Empowers Emotional Growth  – Our book helps gardeners of all ages recognize and manage emotions using a relatable gardening metaphor that builds confidence, creativity, and calm. 🌸 Perfect for Family Connection  – Whether on vacation or at home, this book sparks meaningful conversations and bonding moments between parents, children, and caregivers. 🌞 Ideal for Summer Reading Lists  – With its uplifting message and interactive style, it’s a great addition to classroom, camp, or home summer reading programs. 🧰 Packed with Gardening Tools  – Readers learn healthy coping strategies disguised as creative, fun, and empowering tools they can use all summer long (and beyond). 🌻 Seeds of Positivity On Every Page  – A joyful reminder that even during the ups and downs of summer, growth is always possible—and every gardener has the power to bloom. Gardening grows where you grow. Let’s keep planting seeds of positive change—together. Looking for more inspiration this summer? Explore the #PullYourWeeds® Blog  for free resources, creative activities, and printable tools to support gardeners of all ages on their journey.

As the school year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause and recognize just how much has grown in our gardens— Petals of Progress.  From new challenges we’ve pulled through to the lessons we’ve planted and nurtured along the way, every experience has added a petal to our story. Our Reflection Petals  printable is a gentle, creative activity designed to help younger gardeners celebrate their emotional growth with confidence, clarity, and care. This week, we’re celebrating growth with two free printable reflection sheets —one designed for younger gardeners and one thoughtfully created for grown-up gardeners. Because reflection isn’t just for one age or stage—it’s for all gardeners.  No matter where we are on our journey, there is always value in pausing, looking back, and recognizing how far we’ve come. Let’s keep planting seeds of awareness, gratitude, and growth—together. Because no matter our age, every season is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and grow. 🌿 Scroll down to explore and dig into your two free printable reflection sheets—one for younger gardeners and one for grown-up gardeners. Each activity is a powerful gardening tool to help you pause, reflect, and celebrate how far you’ve come. 🌱 Don’t forget to download your Gardening Tool Badge  after completing your reflections—because every step in your growth journey deserves to be honored! Whether completed in a classroom, at home, or during a counseling session, these activities invite gardeners of all ages to reflect on meaningful moments from the year—what we’ve learned, what we’ve overcome, and what we're still growing toward. It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest seed can bloom into something beautiful with time, attention, and intention. Let’s take a moment to look back before we look ahead—and honor the journey with petals full of purpose. Ready to reflect? Download the printable , grab some crayons or markers, and start filling in each petal with the moments that made you grow. DOWNLOAD OUR FREE REFLECTION PETALS PRINTABLE > Directions: In each petal, write a reflection from your school year: Something I learned A moment I felt proud A challenge I pulled through A friendship that grew A seed I want to plant next Take your time. Each petal tells a part of your growth story. <> Why This Gardening Tool Matters: Benefits of Reflection Petals Encourages self-awareness by identifying personal growth moments Builds confidence through reflection on accomplishments and challenges Promotes gratitude and mindfulness at the end of the school year Supports emotional expression in a creative, age-appropriate format Strengthens a sense of closure and celebration before summer break Sparks meaningful conversations between students, families, and educators Reinforces the You Are a Gardener®  message of turning weeds into seeds Easy to use in classrooms, homes, or counseling settings with little prep For grown-up gardeners, taking time to reflect can be a powerful way to process emotions, recognize personal growth, and reconnect with what matters most. This simple journaling activity encourages mindfulness, strengthens self-awareness, and offers a gentle pause to celebrate how far we've come. Whether used at the start of a new season or during a quiet moment of transition, it’s a meaningful way to stay rooted in intention and emotional well-being. Ready to take a mindful pause and celebrate your growth? Download our Reflections for Growth  sheet now  and give yourself the space to reflect, reset, and keep growing—one thought at a time. Looking for more inspiration and creative ways to help gardeners grow? 🌿 Check out our #PullYourWeeds® Blog for free printables, activities, and resources to support emotional growth all year long. 🛠️ Gardening Tool Badge Alert! Don’t forget to collect your “Reflection Petals” Gardening Tool Badge  after completing this activity. This gardening tool helps gardeners of all ages pause, reflect, and recognize their personal growth—one petal at a time. Click Here to download your badge to add to your Collector's Sheet! As we turn the page on another school year, let’s celebrate not just what was learned, but how much was felt and grown. Every petal we fill is a reminder that growth takes time, courage, and care. Keep tending to your garden—your story is still blooming. Celebrate your growth journey with Petals of Progress. Reflect on a year of challenges and achievements with our Reflection Petals activity with a free printable to use at home, in school, or counseling sessions.

School Spotlight: Chelsea Heights School Gardener Aidan at The Chelsea Heights School for our #PullYourWeeds® Assembly - May 2025 Tucked away in a charming neighborhood in the heart of Atlantic City, Chelsea Heights School was blooming with energy and heart when Gardener Aidan and Gardener Shanna visited for two inspiring #PullYourWeeds® assemblies this May. With the scent of summer in the air, we had the joy of connecting with all 260 students from grades K–8. As they geared up for state testing that week, our visit was perfectly timed to help plant seeds of confidence, calm, and resilience. Together, we explored simple but powerful gardening tools—like Flower Breathing —to help students stay grounded and grow through the week ahead with ease. A heartfelt thank you to their wonderfully supportive school counselor, Ms. Danielle Newsome, who coordinated this event and brought our #PullYourWeeds® assemblies to her school. Her dedication to her students' emotional growth made this special day possible. It was a beautiful reminder that every school is a place where seeds of growth can flourish—and at Chelsea Heights, it’s clear those seeds are nurtured with heart, and it’s clear their students are supported by a community that truly cares. We’re so grateful to have spent the day sowing seeds of positivity in Atlantic City, and we’re already looking forward to more blooming connections. We have a few more incredibly special schools on our June calendar to close out the 2024/2025 school year…stay tuned! A Foxtastic Mural at Chelsea heights School in Atlantic City, NJ 🌟 Want to bring the You Are a Gardener® movement to your school next year? 🌟 Our fall calendar is starting to grow—now’s the time to book your assembly and get your school on our schedule! Let’s plant the seeds for a confident, creative, and calm new year together. Contact Us at flowers@youareagardener.com today to get started! 🌼 Curious to see how other schools are growing with us? Click here to read more School Spotlights  and see how gardeners of all ages are blooming across the country. Let’s keep growing. Explore the vibrant School Spotlight: Chelsea Heights School in Atlantic City. Discover how our #PullYourWeeds assemblies nurtures growth and positivity.Explore the vibrant School Spotlight: Chelsea Heights School in Atlantic City. Discover how our #PullYourWeeds assemblies nurtures growth and positivity.

Hello, gardeners! Today, we’re thrilled to share The Gardener Rule™, our pledge to nurture self-love, kindness, empathy, confidence, and creativity, all while fostering emotional resilience and empowerment. Much like the Golden Rule, The Gardener Rule™ encourages us to treat ourselves and others with utmost care and compassion, spreading seeds of positivity wherever we go. Scroll down to print our FREE The Gardener Rule™ posters and to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this exercise! 🌿 The Gardener Rule™ 🌿 As gardeners, we pledge to nurture self-love by embracing our uniqueness and celebrating every bloom of progress. We choose to cultivate gratitude—staying grateful, seeing the beauty in each moment, and honoring the journey we grow through together. We strive to spread seeds of kindness each day, brightening our world with empathy and compassion. We vow to stand tall with confidence, trusting in our abilities and believing in the strength we carry within. We nurture our well-being by pulling our weeds with care and using our gardening tools to stay rooted in a calm, confident, and creative mindset—nurturing growth and inspiring others to do the same. Together, we grow with resilience—empowering ourselves and gardeners of all ages to flourish in a vibrant, ever-growing garden of positive change. ~You Are a Gardener® 🌻 Self-Love:  Let’s begin by tending to our own gardens. We should embrace our unique qualities and celebrate our achievements, no matter how small. By cultivating self-love, we build strong roots for personal growth and happiness. 🌼 Gratitude:  Let’s plant seeds of gratitude in our everyday lives. Recognizing and appreciating the beauty in each moment, no matter how small, fills our gardens with joy and contentment. Gratitude is like the sunshine that encourages our flowers to bloom and thrive. By expressing thankfulness for the people, experiences, and opportunities that enrich our lives, we nurture a positive and fulfilling environment that inspires growth and connection. 🌺 Kindness:  Let’s spread seeds of kindness like wildflowers. A simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and create ripples of positivity in our communities. We can make kindness a daily practice, nurturing a world where everyone feels valued and supported. 🌼 Empathy:  It’s essential to understand that every gardener has their own journey. By putting ourselves in others’ shoes, we learn to appreciate different perspectives and offer support where it’s needed. Empathy serves as the bridge that connects our hearts and strengthens our communities. We never know what someone else is growing through! 🌸 Confidence:  Let’s stand tall like sunflowers. Believing in our abilities and trusting that we have the gardening tools to overcome challenges empowers us to face life’s uncertainties and weeds with confidence , courage and grace. 🌷 Creativity:  We should allow our imaginations to bloom. Embracing new ideas and exploring creative endeavors helps keep our mind from wandering int the weeds, and fuels our growth and encourages us to view the world with wonder and curiosity. 🌿 Emotional Resilience and Empowerment:  By cultivating resilience , we learn from life’s lessons. Each challenge presents an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser. We can empower ourselves and others by sharing the gardening tools and knowledge that help us flourish. DOWNLOAD OUR FREE PRINTABLE POSTERS OF THE GARDENER RULE™ As we embrace The Gardener Rule, let us remember that each of us holds the power to transform our world with kindness, empathy, and emotional strength. 🌿 By tending to our own gardens, we not only nurture our personal growth but also inspire those around us to bloom. As we move forward and grow, may we carry these values in our hearts, fostering a community where positivity and compassion thrive. Here's to a future filled with vibrant gardens and endless possibilities. Happy gardening, everyone! 🌱✨ Hey gardeners, did you read The Gardener Rule™ ? If so....Congratulations you can collect the 'Gardener Rule™' Gardening Tool Badge! Click on the badge to download your free printable for your Gardening Tool Badge Collectors Sheet! Discover The Gardener Rule™, a pledge to nurture kindness and emotional growth in children and gardeners of all ages. Embrace The Gardener Rule™ and inspire positivity!

Every garden grows a mix of flowers and weeds. While our flowers represent the joy, gratitude, and moments that make us shine, our weeds are the big feelings, negative thoughts and challenges that can take up space and make it harder for our flowers to grow. But here’s the good news gardeners: when we name our weeds, we begin to tame them. Today we’re sharing a ' Name It to Tame It'  activity with a free printable—designed to help gardeners of all ages recognize and name their emotional weeds, so they can pull them gently and make space for seeds of growth and resilience. Just like gently pulling a weed from the soil, identifying our emotions gives us the power to clear space, plant new seeds, and grow with purpose. 🌼 👇 Scroll down to download our free Name It to Tame It  activity sheet —a gentle tool to use at home, in classrooms, or during counseling sessions. Then, scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge  and keep your garden of growth blooming strong. Let’s explore what some of the emotions these weeds might look like in our gardens: 🌪 Anger This weed can feel like a sudden storm—loud, fast, and overwhelming. It might show up as yelling, slamming doors, or wanting to be left alone. Underneath? Often hurt, frustration, or feeling misunderstood. 🌧 Sadness A droopy weed that wilts our petals and dims our light. It can feel like a heavy heart, tears that come easily, or not wanting to do the things we usually enjoy. This weed reminds us we care deeply—and that’s a strength. 🌵 Loneliness This prickly weed can make us feel isolated, even in a crowd. It might whisper, “No one gets me,” or “I don’t belong.” But remember: even when we feel alone, we’re still deeply connected—we just need to reach out and be seen. 🌫 Jealousy A sneaky vine that wraps around our confidence. It might sound like, “Why don’t I have that?” or “They’re better than me.” This weed is a sign we’re craving something—attention, appreciation, or a chance to shine. 🌾 How to Pull These Weeds: The “Name It to Tame It” Exercise Here’s a simple gardening tool to practice with kids, classrooms, or at home: Pause  and take a few deep breaths. Notice  what you’re feeling—without judgment. Name the weed  out loud or write it down.“I’m feeling angry.” “I’m feeling left out.” “I’m feeling sad.” Ask , “What is this weed trying to tell me, what can I learn?” Choose a gardening tool  to help you feel calm, confident, and creative again. That might be a walk, talking to someone, coloring, writing, or practicing gratitude. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR NAME IT TO TAME IT ACTIVITY SHEET > When we see our weeds clearly, they lose their power. We remember that feelings aren’t permanent—they’re simply signs that something needs tending. Let’s encourage each other to name our weeds, pull them gently, and keep our gardens blooming. 🌼🌱✨ “The first step to pulling a weed is knowing it’s there.” “When we name our feelings, we take back the power to grow through them.” “Every weed we name makes more room for a new seed.." 🎉 You just practiced a powerful gardening tool—self-awareness! Collect your Gardening Tool Badge and keep your garden growing strong! 🛠️ Gardening Tool Badge Alert! This activity helps gardeners of all ages strengthen self-awareness and emotional regulation. After practicing “Name It to Tame It,” collect your Gardening Tool Badge  and add it to your collector’s sheet. Why is this a Gardening Tool? Because identifying emotions is one of the most powerful tools we have to stay rooted in confidence, creativity, and calm. CLICK HERE TO COLLECT YOUR BADGE > 🌾 Let’s Keep Tending Together When we take time to name our weeds, we give ourselves the space to breathe, reflect, and grow. Whether it's a moment of anger, sadness, or self-doubt—naming it helps us pull it gently and make room for something new. Keep this gardening tool close, and remember: every weed we name is a chance to plant a seed of strength, calm, and confidence. Let’s keep tending to our gardens—one feeling at a time. Unlock emotional growth with "Name It to Tame It." Identify and tame emotional weeds to make room for resilience. Explore our "Name It to Tame It" activity with a free printable today!

In a world that could always use more kindness, even the smallest acts can plant seeds of joy that grow far beyond what we can see. That’s why this spring, we’re celebrating the beauty of kind gestures with a hands on-activity that blossoms with meaning— Kindness Cones in Bloom: A Sweet & Simple Spring Craft to Help Gardeners of All Ages Spread Positivity! This easy, uplifting activity invites gardeners of all ages to create and give a cone full of kindness, color, and cheer. Whether it’s for a friend, neighbor, teacher, or someone who simply needs a smile, these cones are a beautiful way to say, “I see you. I appreciate you. I’m rooting for you.” 🌸 What Are Kindness Cones in Bloom? They’re handcrafted paper cones filled with flowers, notes of encouragement, and little bursts of beauty—designed to brighten someone’s day. You can hang them on doorknobs, tuck them into mailboxes, or hand-deliver them to help kindness bloom in your community. 🛠️ Materials Needed: Colorful paper or cardstock Tape, glue, or stapler Ribbon or string for hanging Fresh, faux, or paper flowers Small kindness notes or affirmations Scissors Optional: stickers or stamps to decorate 🌱 How to Make Your Kindness Cone: Roll the paper into a cone  shape and secure the edge with glue or tape. Add your flowers —real, dried, or paper blooms all work beautifully. Tuck in a kind note , such as “You are loved,” “Keep growing,” or “You make the world better.” Tie a ribbon  around the top or punch holes to add a hanger. Deliver it with love!  Leave it anonymously or include your name—it’s up to you. 💛 Why This Craft Matters Every cone is more than just a craft—it’s a gesture of connection. It’s a way to water the world with kindness when it needs it most. In times of uncertainty or overwhelm, simple, sincere actions remind us that we’re not alone. When we teach young gardeners that kindness is a gift we can give freely, we nurture a mindset of empathy, compassion, and joy that grows stronger with each act. And for grown-up gardeners, it’s a powerful way to pause and plant seeds of purpose. 🌼 Spreading Seeds of Kindness Imagine the ripple effect if every gardener created one cone this month. That’s one smile, one moment of connection, one heart a little lighter—multiplied by a garden of kindness. That’s the power of this craft. That’s the power of You Are a Gardener®. So let’s keep it blooming. Let’s keep planting kindness. ✨ Gardening Tool Badge This craft is a gardening tool  because it nurtures creativity, strengthens connections, and helps us stay rooted in kindness and crafting. 👉 Don’t forget to collect your Kindness Cones in Bloom Gardening Tool Badge  and add it to your collector’s sheet! Click Here to download your badge > 🌸 Keep It Growing 🌸 Share your creations with us on social media and tag @youareagardener #youareagardener #pullyourweeds #gardenermindset #kindnessinbloom Or visit the #PullYourWeeds® Blog  for more blooming crafts and ideas to help us all grow stronger, together. Let’s keep watering the world with kindness—one kindness cone at a time. 💛🌱 Discover the joy of spreading positivity with our Kindness Cones Spring Craft! Perfect for gardeners of all ages, this craft blooms kindness.

Stop the Spread: A Gardener’s Guide to Transforming Fear & Anger into Seeds of Unity : In every garden, weeds will grow. And within every gardener, feelings like fear and anger will, too. These emotions are natural. They’re real. And they matter—because they’re trying to tell us something. But just like weeds in a garden, if we don’t acknowledge fear and anger—or let them spread without care—they can crowd out our flowers, the healthy, positive parts of our gardens. Especially now, with so much tension and division circulating across social media and conversations, it’s more important than ever for us, as gardeners of all ages, to come together and choose a different path. We can’t always control what we feel, but we can choose how we respond. And we can choose what we share with others. As gardeners, we have the power to stop the spread. To pull our own weeds. To plant seeds that bring people together instead of driving them apart. 🌻 Gardening Tools for Fear & Anger Let’s stay rooted in tools that help us shift our mindset and respond with love, intention, and compassion: 🧰 1 . Name the Weed Give the feeling a name. Is it fear? Frustration? Sadness? Disappointment? When we name it, we tame it, and we reclaim our power. Gardening Tool: Emotional Awareness- Labeling our emotions helps us respond with clarity, not confusion. Check out our Wisdom In The Weeds Activity Sheet for gardeners of all ages here > 🧰 2. Breathe Before You React When emotions rise, pause. Take a breath. Whether you're about to post online, respond in a text, or speak up in a conversation, ask yourself: “Will this plant peace or spread pain?” A mindful moment can make all the difference in responding versus reacting. Gardening Tool: Mindful Breathing- A single breath can turn a reaction into a thoughtful response. Check out some deep breathing exercises here > 🧰 3. Turn the Soil Look at the feeling from another angle. What is this emotion trying to teach us? Can we turn anger into advocacy? Fear into empathy? Gardening Tool: Reframing Thoughts- Changing our lens helps us grow through what we go through. Check out 5 Mindset Shifts To Help You Grow From The Inside Out here > 🧰 4. Reach for the Light Talk to someone you trust. Sometimes what we need most is to feel seen, heard, and understood. —a parent, teacher, counselor, coach, or a friend who listens with care.  Sometimes what we need most isn’t a solution, but simply to feel seen, heard, and understood. When we share what we’re feeling, we lighten the load and make space for new growth. That’s how we begin to turn our weeds into seeds. Gardening Tool: Connection - Just like plants lean toward sunlight, we flourish when we lean into support. Talk to trusted gardeners; family, friends, counselors... 🌸 Let’s Spread Seeds, Not Weeds We’re all gardeners. We’re all growing. And what we say, post, text, and share—plants something in someone else’s heart. So the next time fear or anger shows up, ask yourself: Is what I’m about to share with others going to help someone feel more hopeful,? More united? More understood? Or is it going to deepen the divide? Spread fear? Spread anger? We are not our weeds. We are gardeners. And gardeners spread peace. Gardeners plant hope. Gardeners grow unity. 🌼 Let’s stay rooted in love. 🌼 Let’s lift each other up. 🌼 Let’s help each other bloom. Discover how to transform fear & anger into seeds of unity in your garden. Learn tools for mindful growth & emotional awareness. Transforming Fear & Anger into Seeds of Unity is key to spreading peace.