Ok, avert your eyes if you live nearby and are likely to receive a Solstice gift from us!  If not, read on . . .

Yesterday, when Ella woke up from her nap, I had one flower pot and eight little mason jars lined up on her table.  She saw them immediately, and was very excited (note to self – after nap surprises are fun!).  We got to work, filling our buckets with pebbles left over from building the rock wall, and putting some in the bottom of each jar.

Then, we nestled in a bulb, and watered each one (definitely Ella’s favorite part).  I restrained myself from “helping” too much, and let Ella put each bulb in.  This really extended the activity, and also her pleasure in it.

We topped them off with some potting soil, leaving the tips poking out.  The narcissus bulbs went into the windowsill (above Ella’s reach, but I’ll bring them down for her to water), and should bloom in a few weeks.  The hyacinths need time in the cool dark first, so they went into our pantry for a few weeks, then they’ll come out to the light.  The narcissus only need 2-3 weeks, so if you were thinking about doing this – there’s still time!  I didn’t quite realize the hyacinth take 6-8 weeks, so I guess those will be New Year’s Bulbs.

I’m looking forward to watching these grow with Ella – a good reminder for us all, as winter lays the earth bare, that spring will return, and we’ll soon have our hands in the dirt again!

And check out this beautiful Advent Calender inspiration over at The Artful Parent.  Also, the amazing Heather and Bernadette’s Rhythm of the Home released today – a free online magazine of crafting goodness.  Hooray!