Here is the realness: I grew up on 40-plus acres with no more than one adjacent neighbor. Our property backed up to miles and miles of uninhabited land. Where? Alaska—the last frontier. Of course, no one was around. Sounds amazing, right? I also had an outhouse, wood heat, and pipes that froze weekly in the winter. (Not so amazing? Maybe for some.) In the summer, my siblings and I dragged and stacked firewood instead of manicuring a lawn. I digress. I say all this to illustrate that I grew up in a world where my family didn’t have to create or cultivate adventure—because adventure found us.
Now, I live in Florida. Central Florida, to be exact. Smack dab in the middle of concrete and Mouse Land. It’s exciting, flashy, and fast-paced. I loved it when we first moved here. The vibrant energy pulsated through the air, and the attractions beckoned us at every turn. But then… my heart began to long for those slower moments. I binge-watched nature documentaries, reminiscing about the serene wilderness I left behind, searching for all the nature trails, parks with green spaces, and any sort of natural experience I could find for my family. However, life had other plans, and soon I had another baby. And another baby. Between diaper changes and sports, our family grew to a lively group of seven, and I realized that I needed to consciously create opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure for my children (and myself) in an area where I wouldn’t have to wear pants. I fenced in my yard (a micro-yard, in my opinion), and my understanding and handy husband began creating a backyard adventure for our family, turning our small space into a wonderland of discovery.
One of the ways we have continued to cultivate natural adventure within our backyard is by involving our children in planting and gardening, fostering a sense of stewardship and connection to the earth. Sometimes we are “successful” in that we have plants that produce, and other times, it’s a lesson in patience and the natural cycle of life. But I like to think about gardening the way my husband thinks about fishing. Fishing involves taking the gear to the water, sitting on the bank, boat, or beach, and casting a line into the water. You enjoy the scenery, the actions, and sometimes the company, regardless of whether you catch anything. Gardening can be described the same way—it’s about the experience and the joy of nurturing something to life.
This year, my sons planted cucumbers, flowers (including sunflowers), chives, carrots, tomatoes, and more! They loved filling the little pots, making a hole, and dropping the seeds in with immense enthusiasm. It was a bonding experience that sparked conversations about growth and responsibility. Nothing quite matches the way their faces light up the first day a seedling appears—a cute little plant, fragile yet full of potential. Then we transplant them and wait to see if we will be successful in our endeavors, often sharing our excitement with every little sprout that breaks through the soil.
This is one of the ways I cultivate moments in nature when I don’t feel like wearing pants and braving the Central Florida traffic to find a slice of the outdoors. I encourage you and your families to create similar moments within your own backyards, balconies, or windowsills. This could be through gardening, bird feeders, or binoculars in a window, observing the delicate dance of nature. By fostering a love for the outdoors, we can instill a greater appreciation for the environment in our children, transforming mundane spaces into unforgettable experiences. I look forward to hearing about the innovative ways you create moments of nature with your families within your homes!