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The Smaller Explorer

family travel and adventure

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Category:

Summer

30 Days Wild Day 6: Planting wildflowers
EnvironmentSpringSummerWildlife

30 Days Wild Day 6: Planting wildflowers

We got a packet of wildflowers (ox-eye daisies) in our 30 Days Wild pack, so we planted them in two pots today. The kids particularly liked the idea of huge daisies growing, and were excited by the fact that they might attract bees and butterflies.

We dug into our compost and filled up two pots with soil, gave it a little water, sprinkled in the seeds, added a tiny top layer of soil and watered it again.

Planting wildflowers

Planting wildflowers

I’m the first to admit I’m not the best at gardening, so I’ll be amazed if they grow, but the boys are very keen to water the plants every day so crossing fingers they do.

Wildflowers can, of course, be sprinkled in soil in the garden as well, but as we only rent our house we wanted to put them in pots. Once we buy a house I’d love to put in a patch of wildflowers. I’m definitely more of a chaotic gardener rather than a neat and tidy one and the idea of a wilder meadow of flowers definitely makes me feel happy. And even better now that I know a patch of wildflower is hugely beneficial to attracting bees, insects and butterflies.

Some other wildflowers that are really good pollinator species include foxgloves, comfrey, clover, honeysuckle, hellebore and poppies.Here’s some advice from the RSPB about growing a wildflower meadow. 

Planting wildflowers

June 8, 2019 1 comment
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Mini adventure: Go wild food foraging
AdventureAge rangesAutumnEnvironmentGoing soloPrimarySeasonsSecondarySpringSummerWinterWoodland

Mini adventure: Go wild food foraging

Foraging is a just a fancy word to describe searching for wild food. But if you don’t know what you are doing, going on a foraging course is the ideal way to learn about the wild foods that are safe to eat in the UK, and where to find them.

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October 7, 2018 4 comments
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Explore with the family: Lavender farms in the UK
ExploreFarmsSeasonsSummer

Explore with the family: Lavender farms in the UK

Nothing says summer more than the gentle hum of fat, golden bumblebees and the soothing scent of lavender blooms. Fragrant lavender is in full bloom during July and August, so these are the best months to dig out your camera and get snap happy among the purple blooms. This is the ideal time to capture those summer vibes with a visit to a lavender farm, and if you go yearly, you’ll also collect lifelong memories of the family as they grow.

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July 23, 2018 0 comment
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Dorset with kids: family beach guide
ActivityAdventureBeachDorsetEnvironmentKayakingNatureSailingSeasonsSummerSunUKWater

Dorset with kids: family beach guide

Dorset with kids is a must-do holiday. Dorset has always appealed to me as a fantastic UK holiday destination, particularly now with kids (it’s not called the Jurassic Coast for nothing). Plus who needs to fly abroad in summer with this gorgeous weather in England?!  Here’s my itinerary for families who want to enjoy the best of coastal Dorset with kids. 

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July 16, 2018 1 comment
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UK adventure: 4 adventures in 4 months with a 4 year old
AdventureAge rangesCampingClimbingCyclingExploreMountainsNatureSummerSwimmingTeenyUKWalkingWater

UK adventure: 4 adventures in 4 months with a 4 year old

Finding UK adventures and having a go at different challenges when you have young children is not just achievable, it’s great fun and a good bonding experience too.

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April 17, 2018 7 comments
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The top family-friendly festivals
ActivityAge rangesCampingFestivalsPrimarySecondarySpringSummerTeeny

The top family-friendly festivals

Festival season is a-coming and there is plenty of choice for all ages. If you don’t fancy camping, many festivals offer day tickets, or try a midway option and go luxe in a yurt. Many large name festivals now cater for families, such as Camp Bestival and Latitude, and some smaller indie festivals have been set up solely to cater for families, such as the lovely Elderflower Fields. Here is our list of the best family-friendly festivals.

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April 11, 2018 0 comment
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About

About

for families who like to explore

The Smaller Explorer is a blog for adventurous families. I search out the best of what's out there that's fun for kids AND adults (and maybe a bit of a break from the norm), plus provide lots of achievable ideas for exploring and having adventures in the UK and overseas.

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About us

the smaller explorer is an online magazine for adventurous parents. We search out the best of what's out there that's fun for kids AND adults, plus provide lots of achievable ideas for exploring and having adventures in the UK and overseas.

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