We have had so much fun collaborating with Flora Grubb Gardens and participating in their workshop program. Every third Sunday of the month we come up with a kid’s workshop to complement their plant-filled adult workshops.

We had fun decorating cookies with edible botanicals in November and kick-started this year in February with some delicious citrus printing using bright spring colors and unique citrus fruits.

Recently we created kid friendly vertical gardens. We were blessed with lovely sunny, warm weather that day. And we were also blessed with a great turnout of kids eager to create their own versions of vertical gardens.

As they sat down at the long salvaged wood table, we encouraged them to touch and hold the variety of succulents awaiting them.
“Prickly…soft…pokey…rough…feels like a lizard” we heard, and “looks like a volcano”.

Next, we thought, let’s draw them. Get to know them a little bit. Pencils were sharpened, (and re-sharpened) as the children transferred their visions onto paper.

Then we were ready to begin tucking our little succulents into soft cotton pockets, and bundling them into felted wool. Yarn, twine, and safety pins provided the hanging mechanism. Soon our miniature vertical gardens were being worn as necklaces by children and their parents, hung from nearby olive trees, and plunged into a water garden for a refreshing drink.

Some children lingered at the table and continued drawing, playing, and  just hanging out with each other. We’re pretty sure they had a good  time. We certainly did!

Check back with us for an update on our most recent workshop with Flora Grubb – bug rock painting and making bug hotels!

Daily Candy San Francisco did a post on our opening!  Check it out at dailycandy.com

From a crayon drawn blueprint, the space evolved into Little Lane Studios with a homemade nest, huge pickup stick ceiling, a wash tub sink, custom built benches and tables from reclaimed wood, and unique natural elements like candlestick plants from Flora Grubb Gardens. All it needed was some well displayed art supplies and of course kids to come  explore and create!

Little Lane Before and After: