The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 625: Childhood Grows Best in a Garden | Sharon Lovejoy, Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots
Nov 19, 2025
In this delightful chat, Sharon Lovejoy, a celebrated author and illustrator known for her family gardening books, shares her passion for gardening as a way to connect generations. She explains how gardens nurture curiosity in children, transforming them into first classrooms filled with discovery. Sharon emphasizes that it's never too late to start gardening, whether you're a baby or a grandparent. From vibrant sunflowers to tactile lamb's ear, she highlights the joy of engaging with plants and nature, making it a rich childhood experience.
57:56
Raised A Gardener From Infancy
- Sharon began taking her son Noah into the garden when he was days old and used plants to spark conversation and sensory learning.
- Noah became a lifelong gardener, showing how early exposure creates enduring habits.
Small Daily Nature Minutes Multiply
- Five minutes a day in nature yields lasting learning and wonder for children and adults alike.
- Small, regular observations build volumes of curiosity and transform everyday moments into meaningful lessons.
Start Small With Containers
- Start small with containers or indoor “garbage gardens” in winter using egg cartons and pots.
- Use tiny projects so children gain command and confidence before scaling up outdoors.
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Intro
00:00 • 30sec
Sharon Lovejoy’s Gardening Philosophy and Books
00:30 • 2min
Why Gardening Is For Every Age
02:08 • 5min
Grandmother’s Influence on a Lifelong Love of Gardens
07:10 • 2min
Using Magnifying Tools to Teach Kids About Tiny Things
09:30 • 2min
Start Small: Five Minutes and Simple Winter Indoor Gardens
11:56 • 3min
Garden Games, Playhouses, and Nature’s Toys
15:26 • 9min
Seasonal Nature Box and Collecting Materials
24:30 • 2min
Fairy Gardens, Sand Play, and Respectful Foraging
26:15 • 2min
How Gardens Tantalize Easily Bored Children
28:17 • 2min
Plant Variety and Seed Libraries for Wonder
29:53 • 3min
Documenting Garden Discoveries with Photos and Videos
33:10 • 51sec
Screens, Short Attention, and the Need for Outdoor Childhoods
34:02 • 4min
Interweaving Family Time Through Garden Activities
38:10 • 2min
What to Plant First to Attract Children
39:44 • 4min
Local Wildflowers, Xerces, and Pollinator-Friendly Plants
43:47 • 1min
Fun Crops: Popcorn, Gourds, and Colorful Corn
45:00 • 2min
Exploring Nighttime Garden Life
47:20 • 3min
Creative Uses for Birdhouse Gourds and Natural Crafts
49:50 • 1min
Tactile Plants and Comfort: Lamb’s Ear and Mexican Sunflowers
51:03 • 2min
Plant Tricks and Surprises: Bottle-Grown Vegetables
53:02 • 48sec
Using Plants as Toys: Dollar Plant, Snapdragons, and Obedient Plant
53:50 • 50sec
Lemon Verbena, Herbs, and Long-Lasting Garden Companions
54:40 • 2min
Books as Gifts That Spark Generational Gardening
56:45 • 2min
Outro
58:30 • 53sec
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Hollyhock days
Sharon Lovejoy
Hollyhock Days: Garden Adventures for the Young at Heart is a book written by Sharon Lovejoy that celebrates the joys of gardening and the magic of childhood.
Lovejoy shares personal stories, gardening tips, and creative projects that inspire readers to connect with nature and embrace a sense of wonder.
The book features a variety of activities, from building fairy houses to creating nature journals, encouraging children to explore their imaginations and discover the beauty of the natural world.
Lovejoy's whimsical illustrations and engaging writing style make Hollyhock Days a cherished resource for families seeking to create lasting memories in the garden.
The book is an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and connection with nature.
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Little Green Island with a Little Red House
Sharon Lovejoy
'Green Island with a Little Red House' is a children's book by Sharon Lovejoy, inspired by her own home and experiences on an island in Maine.
The story likely features vibrant illustrations and a simple narrative, capturing the beauty and tranquility of island life.
It likely emphasizes the natural wonders of the island, such as the plants, animals, and changing seasons.
This book probably serves as a celebration of nature, family, and the unique charm of living in a close-knit island community.
Lovejoy's gentle storytelling is designed to encourage children to appreciate their surroundings and find joy in the simple things.
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Sunflower Houses
Sharon Lovejoy
Sunflower Houses: Garden Discoveries for Children of All Ages is a book by Sharon Lovejoy that inspires families to create magical outdoor spaces where children can connect with nature.
Lovejoy provides instructions and ideas for building living structures using sunflowers and other plants.
The book encourages children to engage in hands-on learning through gardening activities and nature-based projects.
Through whimsical illustrations and engaging text, Lovejoy shows how a garden can become a place of wonder, discovery, and creativity.
Sunflower Houses promotes the importance of spending time outdoors and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
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Trowel and Error
Sharon Lovejoy
Trowel and Error: Over 725 Tips, Tricks and Trivia for the Earth-Loving Gardener is a book written by Sharon Lovejoy, offering a wide array of practical advice, gardening secrets, and interesting trivia for gardening enthusiasts of all skill levels.
This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of gardening, from soil preparation and plant selection to pest control and seasonal tasks.
Lovejoy shares her own experiences, providing both humorous anecdotes and valuable insights to help readers avoid common gardening mistakes and achieve success.
With its user-friendly format and wealth of information, Trowel and Error serves as an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to cultivate a thriving and sustainable garden.
Lovejoy's humorous and informative style makes it both entertaining and educational.
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Camp Granny
Sharon Lovejoy
Camp Granny is a book by Sharon Lovejoy designed to encourage grandparents to connect with their grandchildren through nature-based activities.
It probably offers a collection of projects, games, and gardening ideas that grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy together.
These activities likely focus on exploring the outdoors, learning about plants and animals, and creating lasting memories.
The book seeks to bridge the generation gap, fostering a love of nature and strengthening family bonds.
Lovejoy's practical tips and engaging writing style make Camp Granny a valuable resource for grandparents looking to create meaningful experiences with their grandchildren.
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Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars
Sharon Lovejoy
Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars is a book by Sharon Lovejoy that serves as a guide to creating magical and whimsical outdoor spaces for children.
Lovejoy shares ideas for building miniature homes for toads, constructing fairy gardens, and creating other enchanting features in the garden.
It encourages children to explore their imaginations and connect with nature through hands-on activities and creative projects.
With its delightful illustrations and engaging text, Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars inspires families to transform their backyards into captivating wonderlands.
Lovejoy's approach combines practical gardening tips with imaginative storytelling, making the book a valuable resource for parents and educators.
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Running out of night
Sharon Lovejoy
Running Out of Night is a novel written by Sharon Lovejoy, differing from her usual gardening books, presenting a compelling narrative for middle-grade readers.
The story revolves around a young girl named Genny who uncovers a hidden message that leads her on a thrilling adventure through history.
Set against the backdrop of coastal Maine, the novel explores themes of family, friendship, and the importance of preserving local traditions.
Lovejoy's writing style captures the beauty and mystery of the natural world, engaging young readers with vivid descriptions and relatable characters.
As Genny unravels the secrets of the past, she discovers her own strength and resilience, making Running Out of Night an inspiring and heartwarming tale for young audiences.
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A Blessing of Toads
Sharon Lovejoy
A Blessing of Toads is a children's book by Sharon Lovejoy that delves into the enchanting world of herbs and their many uses, combining folklore, history, and hands-on activities.
Through engaging stories and illustrations, Lovejoy introduces young readers to a variety of herbs, revealing their culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties.
The book encourages children to cultivate their own herb gardens, fostering a deeper connection with nature and an appreciation for the plants that have played a significant role in human history.
With its blend of practical gardening tips and imaginative storytelling, A Blessing of Toads serves as an inspiring guide for families seeking to explore the wonders of the natural world together.
Lovejoy's work inspires readers to cultivate their own gardens and appreciate the natural world.
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Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots
Sharon Lovejoy
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Beloved author and illustrator Sharon Lovejoy returns for her third appearance on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, and this conversation feels like stepping into the kind of childhood we all hope to create. Sharon and Ginny explore why the garden remains one of the most powerful places to raise a child and a parent. From babies whose tiny hands brush over mint leaves to 96-year-olds planting their very first sunflower house, Sharon shows that it is never too late to begin.
Her timeless books like Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots, Camp Granny, Sunflower Houses have introduced generations to the simple miracles of seeds, soil, and slowing down. This episode is a reminder that you don’t need expertise or acres of land; you just need a pot or two and some seeds to nurture.
Together, Sharon and Ginny share some reasons gardening changes families: it pulls children away from screens, fills them with curiosity, and gives them a world of textures, tastes, and small adventures—zinnias buzzing with life, lamb’s ear soft as felt, corn that comes in stunning colors, birdhouse gourds that become toys, and tiny discoveries waiting under every leaf. Sharon explains how a garden becomes a child’s first classroom, a parent’s pause button, and a generational legacy that ripples outward—just as her own grandmother’s influence shaped thousands of families around the world.
If you’ve ever wished for a slower, richer, more connected childhood for your kids or for yourself this conversation will give you the courage, inspiration, and practical starting points to begin today.
Explore more:
Sharon Lovejoy’s books: https://sharonlovejoy.com
Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: https://amzn.to/43GtvOa
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