This program is SOLD OUT. We have spots available in our October and November Programs. Check them out below!

October Garden Buds – Plants and People

November Garden Buds – Foliage in the Garden

Every Wednesday in September from 10-10:45AM

Do you have a child 18-36 months old? Are you looking for children’s activities in the East Bay area? Garden Buds is a 4-week long program where your child will meet the same friends each week. It is an opportunity to practice social skills in an outdoor setting while developing an interest in nature with hands-on activities. The class will only use sustainable and natural materials for all craft activities. The program will provide early education in basic plant knowledge, hands-on plant based activities and seasonal experiences exclusive to the Ruth Bancroft Garden.

In September, our Garden Buds will explore the colors of the Garden through songs, books, eco-friendly crafts and more! Children will learn plant anatomy and basic plant needs. This programs also teaches appropriate behavior when observing plant life.

The price is per child per event series – the September series has 4 classes:

September 6th | 10AM – Plant Parts

In our first class, we start by looking at plant parts. The Garden Buds will search for seeds in a sensory bin, go for a garden walk looking for flowers, listen to a book, sing a song and make paper flowers to take home.

September 13th | 10AM – Going Green!

The Garden Buds will look at leaves and go for a garden walk looking for different leaf shapes. We will use leaves to make a leaf pennant by hitting the leaf with a small rock. The Buds will love it! 

September 20th | 10AM – Nature Art

We will read the funny book Plants Can’t Sit Still by Rebecca E. Hirsch. Just like plants, toddlers can’t sit still, so today’s garden walk will be full of movements. Let’s sway our stems, wave our leaves and tap our roots! Back at the Nook, the Buds will create an art piece with nature materials to take home.  

September 27th | 10AM – Plant Friends

The Garden Buds will paint a pot with natural paint colors. They will also get to plant a small succulent in their pot to take home and care for. We will read a book, sing and go for a walk. 

One caregiver can accompany per child. If siblings, one caregiver can attend with two children. The price is per child.