Five fantastic reasons why growing wildflowers is great for SEN children

Let’s talk about the magic of growing wildflowers. From sowing the different seeds to the anticipation of watching the beautiful flowers reveal themselves. Creating a wildflower space, however big or small with children with SEN can be a whole adventure packed with joy, learning and fun. There are just so many other benefits, both for you, and your local environment.

If you need more reasons other than supporting your precious local insects, pollinators and wildlife - providing them with food and shelter - then look no further, We’ve come up with some great reasons as to why you should go out and create your own wildflower space.

Planting wildflowers is a hands-on experience that engages the senses. Feeling the seeds between your fingers, the smell and texture sensation that comes from digging into the soil, watching the colours of the flowers pop, and hearing the gentle buzz of wildlife, it's an enriching sensory experience.

Growing wildflowers isn't just about watching plants bloom, it's an opportunity to build on valuable life skills. As you measure out the space, work out your seed mix, dig up the turf, and monitor the garden for signs of growth, you're not just gardening, you're building structure and routine; a great way to work on independence. Each small task, from watering to moving any plants in the wrong place, to maintaining your wildflower area, contributes to a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.

Creating and maintaining a wildflower space can be an amazing reminder that we are an integral part of the natural world. Being responsible for something living is a great way to instil a sense of purpose and evoke a feeling of making a difference. It’s also a great way to see the positive consequences of our actions.

Doing something for our environment is a great way to have conversations about climate action and taking care of our planet. This is especially important for those with additional needs because they are often left out of the conversation, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and disenfranchisement.

Finally, just by growing wildflowers you are doing an amazing thing for the environment, as truly every little helps! Giving shelter and food to minibeasts and pollinators, which in turn attract birds and other wildlife; you have the opportunity to create a biodiverse, wildlife wonderland!

So, what are you waiting for? Spring is a perfect time to get out there: it might be at home with your family or on your school grounds with your class; you could be planting up a pot or sowing a whole meadow. Whatever you decide to do, we can assure you it's a fun experience where the benefits stretch far beyond the garden! It promotes sensory exploration, life skills development, and environmental awareness, all while building connections with the environment and each other.