Scott Dowman, a retired landscape architect and garden designer, spoke to a sold out audience of children and their families at Budding Gardeners: Sunflower Power on November 12. Dowman shared his love for sunflowers under his nickname “Dr. Dirt.”

The reasons to grow sunflowers are endless, but here are a few: They attract pest-patrolling birds and bees to improve your harvest, help detox contaminated soil, they provide free edible seeds, and their beautiful blooms are lovely in a bouquet.

Children learned about the power of sunflowers by planting a seed to take home and grow, making a fun craft, and sample three different snacks made with sunflower seeds.

Budding Gardeners is aimed at children in grades 1-6 to discover gardening, conservation, and wildlife through interactive programs, crafts, and outdoor projects. Children and their parents or caregivers collaborate during a morning of healthy and fun activities.

Look for more Budding Gardeners programs on the Garden Club events page here.