This book right here has sprouted big time 😎 When I planted this seed not even 3 years ago it was in efforts to help Anna (when she was 7) manage her enormously big emotions that were causing her to ‘water her weeds’ instead of her flowers. When we stared to ‘garden’ everyday and “pull our weeds” (talking about her negative feelings and encounters) Anna started to brighten. She felt empowered with the conversations and positive solutions on how to address her emotions. This was why I chose to self-publish You Are a Gardener. I knew if it could help our family then why not share it with others. Everything we do, all the content we create, the programs we build are all rooted in raising a new generation of emotionally empowered kids. Camp Hello Gardeners is our newest adventure to (virtually) reach out and connect with kids and delight them with positive content to encourage them to learn new skills, stay active and most importantly have fun! Joyful content and positive screen time for kids is needed now more than ever. Camp Hello Gardeners® is a series of pre-recorded videos that feel like you are actually at camp. Kids ages 4-12 will enjoy a variety of activities & learn new skills to keep them active and engaged all summer long! Featuring Gardener Anna & Gardener Aidan from the hit video series Hello Gardeners 🌼 Sign up today and let's grow!

6/15/2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Shanna Truffini Email: flowers@youareagardener.com Welcome To Camp Hello Gardeners® A series of pre-recorded videos where kids will feel like they are actually at camp! Morristown, NJ, June 2020- Shanna Truffini, author of You Are a Gardener® and creator of the hit video series Hello Gardeners® has just launched Camp Hello Gardeners®, an online camp for kids ages 4-12. With a lot of families choosing to be safe at home this summer and camps being closed or at limited capacity, Truffini wanted to bring camp right to your own living room. Each camp session features a 25-30 minute, pre-recorded video with Truffini and her young children as camp counselors. Each video features 7-10 fun-filled activities to keep kids active, engaged and learning new skills. Activities include: arts and crafts, kid-friendly workouts, life skills, sensory activities, fun & games, mindfulness exercises, inspiring stories, music, imagination exploration, what's cooking & more! The $55 camp package includes private access to 4 pre-recorded camp videos. Each session comes with a guide highlighting the activities and the materials campers will need. Anyone, anywhere can sign up at anytime and will have unlimited access to the Camp Hello Gardeners® videos. Visit www.youareagardener.com/camp-hello-gardeners to sign up today. ### If you would like more information about Camp Hello Gardeners® or any of the You Are a Gardener programs please contact Shanna Truffini at flowers@youareagardener.com.

We have been keeping a HUGE secret and today is the day we get to share the news 🎉 We are so excited to announce our newest adventure... Camp Hello Gardeners!!! Featuring Gardener Anna & Gardener Aidan and lots of amazing gardener friends! Camp Hello Gardeners is a safe, kid-positive, virtual environment to learn, grow and create! Kids will enjoy a variety of fun filled activities from yoga to qi gong, music to arts & crafts, wellness tips to life skills. Our camp package includes private access to 4 individual, prerecorded video sessions that air once a week featuring interactive, independent and supervised activities for kids to enjoy! Plus, if you pre-register now you will receive a bonus digital activity kit full of puzzles, games and coloring pages! (Recommended for kids ages 4-12) With summer camps being cancelled or at limited capacity and families choosing to be safe at home, let us bring camp to you! Camp starts on June 15th but you can PRE-REGISTER NOW by clicking this link: https://www.youareagardener.com/camp-hello-gardeners Let’s Grow! 🔆⛺️🌸😎

Hello Gardeners! On the blog today, we've got an amazing focus activity to help redirect those restless gardeners! We love this activity because the repetitive motions of weaving mixed with the soft sensation of the yarn makes for the perfect relaxing activity! It's our Woven Bowl Craft - and all you'll need are 3 simple things: A paper plate Scissors Yarn First things first, cut up your plate! I wanted a medium sized bowl, so my cuts were a couple inches long, but if you'd prefer a taller, thinner bowl, make your cuts longer, and for a shallower bowl, make them shorter! I found that drawing a circle in the center of your plate helps make all of your cuts consistent! Next, wrap your yarn around the base of one of your strips and secure it with a knot. Then start weaving through the strips of the plate using the 'over-under-over-under' pattern. If you want to switch colors, tie (with a double knot) your new string to the old string and just continue weaving! You can kind of tuck the knotted part under the weave to conceal it. You may find that you need to trim down the thickness of your strips as they are starting to overlap - just go through and carefully trim with your scissors! Once you reach the top of your plate, it's time to tie the end of the string so that the bowl doesn't unravel. Just loop the loose end of the string through one of the previous weaves and secure with a knot. If you need to trim down the top of your plate, do so carefully so you don't accidentally cut any of the woven string! There there you have it! A beautiful woven bowl, perfect for storing small toys, school supplies, putting under a plant, or for any other use you can find! This craft is #PullYourWeedsApproved because it: requires focus! Set up your gardener with these materials, walk them through the process, and in no time they will be completely consumed by this craft!! helps practice pattern. Whether it's the 'over-under' pattern or following a color pattern of there choice, there are lots of ways to challenge your gardener's pattern following skills! relieves stress. The repetitive motions of weaving mixed with the soft sensation of the yarn make for the perfect relaxing activity! can be done anywhere. Take this in the car, bring it outside, pull it out at holidays - the materials are so easy to travel with, this craft can really help out in those moments where the kids need something to occupy their time! We recently came across this quote by Mary Davis and wanted to share it with you! Show yourself love and compassion and you'll find you have more love and compassion to share with others! If you find you've been a little tough with yourself recently, do this letter writing exercise! Thanks for reading along today, gardeners! We hope you enjoyed this craft and would love to see your woven bowls! Tag us @youaragardener or email flowers@youareagardener.com to show us your creations, send us your weeds, or to just say hi! Continue to #PullYourWeeds and remember #TheFutureIsBright!

When seeds of kindness are planted, the most beautiful things take root. We have been receiving so much positive feedback from our community lately. It is messages like these that keep us energized and moving forward. You Are a Gardener is a grass roots, self funded company that was created to help make the future a brighter place for this younger generation. Our children’s book, #PullYourWeeds blog, Hello Gardeners videos and educational programs all stem in emotionally empowering kids! If you are looking to embrace a new narrative to help children face big emotions with positive solutions...click here and get ready to see where it ‘grows’ 🌻#TakingRoot#NewNarrative#EmpoweringKids

Hello Gardeners! On the blog, we talk a lot about focusing on the 'flowers' and if you are new to the blog that means choosing to focus on the things that make us smile, give us joy, and make our lives feel so fulfilling! Today, we are sharing our Salt Dough Impressions craft so you can place lovely reminders all around your home as a reminder of all the people, moments and experiences that make a positive impression in your life. (Scroll all the way down to see why this is a #PullYourWeeds Approved Craft) F i r s t t h i n g s f i r s t We need to make our salt dough! You will need: 1/4 cup of salt 1/2 cup of flour (sub any kind of flour for gluten free!) 1/4 cup of luke warm water *If you plan to make a bunch of these, feel free to double or triple the recipe!* Mix the flour, salt, and water together until it forms a semi-firm dough. If yours feels a little sticky, feel free to add some more flour or cornstarch to firm it up a bit! G a t h e r y o u r p l a n t s 🌿 🌻 Now it's time to gather up what you will be stamping into your dough. I suggest picking items that are pretty fresh, and have some structure to them! M a k e y o u r i m p r e s s i o n Roll out your dough so it is your desired thickness - to me, thinner is better, but whatever you prefer! Then take a jar lid, container, or cookie cutter to cut your dough into shapes. Next, take your items and arrange them on your dough cut outs. With medium pressure, use your rolling pin to form an impression of the plant into your dough. Once you feel you've gotten the impression, peel up your plant! L e t t h e m d r y You can air dry these or bake them in the oven. Air drying (depending on the thickness) can take about 24-48 hours or you can bake them at 225° for about 2 hours or until dry. P a i n t t h e m + d i s p l a y ! Since we chose only greens, I mixed up a bunch of green paint in various shades and painted mine in two tones. Then you can choose where to display! Maybe use some twine to wrap one around a flower vase, or display near a potted plant, or maybe hang as a window charm! This craft is #PullYourWeedsApproved because it: helps gardeners practice measurement is a wonderful sensory activity (and you can use this recipe to make your own playdough!) helps us practice patience! Waiting for dough to dry/bake can sometimes be a challenge! Did you make this craft or our salt dough recipe? We would love to see what kinds of ornaments YOU created! Send us your photos at flowers@youareagardener.com or @youareagardener. Sending you sunshine on this beautiful Thursday! #TheFutureIsBright!

Hello Gardeners! Who needs something bright and cute for their walls? Today on the blog, we have one of our favorite crafts to date and bonus - it is PERFECT for gardeners ages 2-12 - although gardeners of all ages are welcome! If you've been looking for some fun activities to keep your kids busy and creative, you won't want to miss this one - it's our Handprint Succulents 🌵craft! Here is what you'll need: Paint (choose paint that is skin-safe!) Construction paper Scissors Glue Paintbrush First things first, let's make our succulents! Paint your little one's hands/fingers/feet with green paint. You can choose different parts of the hands or feet to get certain shapes an even use little bits of purple or red to add colorful accents to your succulents. Once you've made all the finger and handprints you'd like, cut out planter shapes from your construction paper. If your gardener isn't quite ready to go solo with the scissors, use the hand-over-hand method to help them start to develop those muscles! Lastly, glue your planters in place and let the whole thing dry! Voilà - you've got the cutest print to showcase their little handprints! Benefits of this craft: It is a great sensory activity! Feeling the cool, wet paint in between your fingers is great sensory exposure. This is the perfect craft to practice basic scissor skills! Strengthens those fine motor skills - bending the fingers and hands into different shapes, holding scissors, and applying glue! Have you done any of our crafts at home? We would love to hear your thoughts, see your creations, and share your work! Email us at flowers@youareagardener.com or tag us @youareagardener. Keep creating, gardeners - keep pulling those weeds and don't forget, #TheFutureIsBright!

Hello Gardeners! Around here, we have been trying to soak up all the sunshine we can! With all the beautiful weather we have been having it is the perfect opportunity to do some outdoor crafts, outdoor learning, and nature excursions! We would love to hear how you are spending time outdoors - let us know in the comments below 👇👇 Today we have another craft to get you outside enjoying the fresh air - it's our Paper Bag Kite craft! Kites can mean hours of fun whether you bring them to the park on a sunny day, or fly them during a walk around the block, there is something about feeling the wind whip around that gives us so much joy! Here is what you'll need: Paper lunch bag Tissue paper String Crayons Tape and/or glue Popsicle stick (or something similar) First, poke a small hole in what would normally be the base of your paper bag. Next, take your string and tie a knot around your popsicle stick. I didn't have a popsicle stick so anything that is shaped similarly and lightweight will work! This is just to prevent your string from slipping out of your bag. Then, tape the tied string to your popsicle stick, ensuring the string is centered. Feed your string through the hole so that the popsicle stick end in on the inside of the bag. Now it's time to start decorating! You can really use whatever you'd like to decorate - washi tape, stickers, paint - just be sure that everything dries before your try to fly your kite (especially glue!) Next, cut strips of your tissue paper and glue or tape them to the bottom inside of your kite. Last but not least... go out and enjoy! You can alwasy use another popsicle stick at the end of your string to keep a better grasp when flying your kite. This craft is #PullYourWeeds approved because it: is another fun activity you can do and enjoy outdoors! allows for creative expression! Open-ended crafts like this really give kids creative control. pairs well with a physical activity. If everyone's been kind of idle in your house, it's the perfect craft to get them running and active all day long! Thanks for reading along today, gardeners! Remember, #TheFutureIsBright!

Land of the free because of the brave 🇺🇸 Happy Memorial Day gardeners! These beautiful peonies have been freshly cut from our peony plant that has been in our family for generations. It has been passed on and transplanted for almost a hundred years. It is such a beautiful reminder of those who have gone before us and the roots they planted that continue to blossom today. Thank you to all of the confident and courageous men and women who have planted the roots for our freedom. We remember you today and grateful for your service 🌺 #gonebutneverforgotten

Get ready gardeners 😎 we are about to jump in and make a really big splash with a top secret project we have been working on the past couple of months! All we can say is the gardeners have been missing their greenhouse, meeting new gardener friends and learning fun filled activities to keep them active and bright! In the meantime you may want to catch up on previous episodes of Hello Gardeners™ by clicking here! #ComingSoon#SummerFun#MakeASplash#StayTuned

Hello Gardeners! Every day the sun is bright and the wind is blowing, we are finding ourselves outside enjoying it as much as we can! Today we are looking at crafts you can do outdoors - including this awesome Painted Stick Wind Chime. This is the perfect activity to get everyone involved. You can even take a walk together to find your sticks! Here's what you will need: Sticks of various sizes Paint Paint brushes String Painter's tape (optional) First, gather up your sticks! I tend to think that larger ones make a better chime and I would gather no fewer than 4. Next, paint your sticks! I like using painter's tape to block off certain areas for different colors, but have your kids do what they'd like! Then pick one string to be your hanger and the rest of your sticks will be hanging. Tie your hanging sticks - you can even wrap a larger portion of your stick if you want to create another color block! Then, hang in a in a place where the wind can reach it and you've got yourself a beautiful wind chime! We love this craft because it . . . . . . encourages collaboration. Get your kids communicating, problem-solving, and working together! . . . develops fine motor skills. Grasping a paint brush, ripping tape, and wrapping string gets all of those small hand muscles moving! . . . exercises observation skills. Having the kids search for the right sized sticks helps them strengthen these skills. Wherever you are get outside and get some fresh air! If you are looking for other crafts to get you outdoors, try our: Springtime Terrariums Craft Nature Crown Craft Bird Feeder Craft Natural Paintbrush Paintings Craft . . . Thanks for tuning in with us today, gardeners! Have your kids completed any of our recent crafts? Send us your pictures at flowers@youareagardener.com or @youareagardener.

Hello Gardeners! With all of the uncertainty in the world right now, you may have unknowingly found yourself watering your 'weeds and not your flowers'. Today on the blog, we are here to support you during these uncertain moments. We've got tips to help you self-regulate, suggestions for what to do with the kids home from school and some tips to help the whole family relax! B R E A T H I N G + M I N D F U L N E S S Start each morning with a sun salutation. Not only does yoga help create awareness of the body and mindfulness of the breath, but it also helps get the blood flowing! S E N S O R Y P L A Y Create a sensory room. Sensory activities are becoming quite popular in classrooms and for kids with special needs, but they are fun for everyone in the whole family! - Mix sand and shaving cream to make a quick moon sand - Make homemade slime with one of these recipes - Boil spaghetti in colored water to create multi-colored fun - Tie ribbons onto a hair tie to create sensory ribbon bracelets - perfect for a dance party! E N J O Y T H E O U T D O O R S Take this time to get your outdoor space cleaned up and ready for warmer weather! Start with this cute and easy #BirdFeeder made from reusable materials! Here's what you'll need: Plastic container (we used an old frosting container!) Paint Super glue or hot glue String Birdseed An adult with a box cutter (safety first please!) First, cut the lid of your plastic container in half and then cut a semi circle out of the base of the container. Glue the lid onto your container so that it lines up with the cutout on the base. Decorate your container with a pattern or your favorite spring flowers! With your box cutter, poke two holes on the side of your container for a string. Fill the with birdseed and find the perfect place to hang! There are so many ways to turn this unsettling time into fun, relaxing, family time! This is an easy time for the stress weeds to grow - keep in touch with friends through phone calls and video chats - most importantly take care of yourself and don't forget to #PullYourWeeds!