Growing up my mum was always trying to get me out into the garden, I remember hunting for zucchinis and purposely leaving ones to grow too big to the point they were inedible. Not only did it amaze me how large they would grow but it also meant I had to eat less vegetables! My love of gardening wasn’t just tied to my mum I was lucky enough to build a garden for my grandmother when she was living in France. I got the trip of a lifetime as well as a payment of cheese and conversation, and she got a garden. During this time our bond was strengthened and although I was the one teaching my grandma about gardening it was the activity and time together that brought us closer.
You don’t need a garden in France to bond with your grandchildren it can be done in any outdoor space as gardening is a multigenerational activity that bridges the age gap in the most organic way possible. Grandparents bring patience, experience, and an appreciation for nature, while grandkids contribute boundless energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Together, they make the perfect team.
For grandparents, gardening with their grandchildren is a way to pass on traditions. Whether it’s teaching them how to plant seeds, water seedlings, or recognising different plants, every moment spent in the garden is a lesson in patience, care, and responsibility. For children, these lessons are far more engaging than any textbook could ever provide. They learn about the life cycle of plants, the importance of pollinators, and the impact of weather on growth—all while digging, planting, and getting their hands dirty.
Starting a family garden tradition doesn’t have to be complicated. Even if you don’t have a large backyard, gardening can be done in raised beds, container gardens, or even small pots on a balcony. The key is to make it fun, engaging, and age appropriate.
Here are some of my tips to get started and to get the grandkids out into the garden with you:
1. Choose Easy-to-Grow Plants
For young children, success in gardening comes from seeing quick results. Radishes, cherry tomatoes, sunflowers, and strawberries are great beginner plants that sprout and grow quickly. Herbs like basil, mint, and chives are also fantastic choices—they’re easy to care for and can be used in cooking, adding another layer of learning to the experience. Ask your grandkids what they like to eat and then grow that – if children don’t like to eat asparagus they won’t want to grow it either.
2. Make It a Sensory Experience
Gardening is a full sensory activity. Encourage kids to feel different soil textures, smell fragrant herbs, taste homegrown fruits, and listen to the rustling leaves or buzzing bees. These experiences make gardening more engaging and help children develop a deeper appreciation for nature.
3. Incorporate Storytelling and Memories
Grandparents have a wealth of stories to share, and the garden is the perfect setting for storytelling. While planting or weeding, share childhood memories of gardening, let your grandkids know what your favourite plants are, or explain any old family traditions. Maybe there’s a special flower that reminds you of your own grandmother’s garden or a vegetable you used to grow as a child. These stories make gardening even more meaningful to strengthen your personal bond and help keep family history alive.
4. Make Gardening Playful
For children, play is learning. Turn gardening into a game—who can find the biggest worm? Who can plant the most seeds in a row? Create a “garden treasure hunt” where kids search for different coloured flowers or insects. I remember going on a treasure hunt with my mother, each clue sent me to a spot around the garden to collect an item needed for potting up some seeds, the pot, the potting mix, the seeds and a watering can. Once we had collected all the items we could then go through the process and watch the seeds sprout. Giving grandkids some tools of their own, a small watering can or their own set of garden gloves also makes them feel like active participants.
5. Celebrate the Harvest Together
One of the greatest joys of gardening is harvesting the fruits (and vegetables) of your labour. When kids see that they’ve helped grow something from seed to plate, they feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Use the harvest as an opportunity to cook together—making fresh salads, fruit smoothies, or homemade herb-infused butter. Sharing a meal from the garden deepens the sense of connection and satisfaction.
The Lasting Impact of Gardening Together
Gardening together isn’t just about the plants—it’s about the life lessons and cherished moments that come with it. Grandparents get to share their knowledge, patience, and passion for nature, while grandkids develop a deeper appreciation for the environment, responsibility, and the rewards of hard work. Beyond the physical act of gardening, it fosters emotional connections. Conversations flow easily when hands are busy, allowing for meaningful discussions, laughter, and moments of quiet reflection. The time spent together in the garden is a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.
In a world where schedules are often packed and time together can feel limited, gardening offers a beautiful way to nurture not just plants, but relationships, too. Whether it’s watching a sunflower stretch toward the sky, picking the first ripe tomato, or simply sharing a quiet afternoon digging in the dirt and making mud pies, these small moments add up to a lifetime of treasured memories.
So, grab your gloves, gather your grandkids, and step outside. The garden is waiting to be tended, and so are the memories you’ll grow together.
Charlie Albone designs the Challenger Achievable Garden
For the second year, acclaimed landscape designer Charlie Albone has crafted the feature garden in the Challenger Achievable Gardens. Charlie’s unique design focuses on sustainability, using eco-friendly elements to create outdoor spaces that inspire show visitors with practical ideas to transform their own gardens.
Challenger celebrates two blooming years as the official partner of the show
Challenger is thrilled to enter the second year of our partnership with the prestigious Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. We’re proud to be Australia’s largest annuity provider, with $131 billion in assets* under management and supporting thousands of retirees. In the 2024 financial year, we paid around $6 billion** in guaranteed payments to our customers and super fund partners, helping to give retirees the confidence to spend and enjoy their retirement to the fullest.
*As at 31 December 2024. Issued by Challenger Life Company Limited ABN 44 072 486 938, AFSL 234670
**FY24 annuity interest and capital payments to retail and institutional customers across Lifetime, CarePlus and Term products (excluding IndexPlus).
