This week's fun activity...

Seed Mosaic
Fall is known as harvest season because many of the plants that grow throughout the Spring and Summer months finally produce fruits and seeds during this time. 

A lot of our native grasses and flowers produce uniquely shaped seeds as well! 

For this week’s activity, we will find and collect seeds
and make a seed mosaic!
Materials:
  • Seeds (collect natural plant seeds if possible, otherwise supplement with beans or grain seeds)
  • Cardstock, cardboard, or poster board
  • Pencil or chalk
  • Water-based glue 
Step 1 - Collect

Head outside and collect some seeds! Grass seeds are in abundance, as well as many of our native shrubs and flowers. Try collecting fluffy milkweed seeds! See how many unique seeds you can find.

If you need additional seeds, you can add bean seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even birdseed.
Step 2 – Sketch

On your mosaic piece of paper, sketch out a rough design so you know where you want to place your seeds. 

A chalk outline may be easier to see instead
of pencil, depending on the paper type
you are using.    

Step 3 - Glue

Starting in once section at a time, add glue to your mosaic. 

Use your sketch as a guideline, and fill in one space with glue
to completely cover that
small area. 
Step 4 – Add Seeds

Add seeds to the small section where you added your glue! 

Add enough seeds to cover the area and leave no glue exposed. 
Step 5 – Fill

Repeat steps four and five until you have finished adding seeds to your mosaic! 

Work in small sections at a time, adding glue and then seeds to your sketched-out drawing. 


For small seeds, using a spoon will make it easier to place them
on your paper.  
  
Step 6 – Dry

Let your mosaic dry for an hour or two so the seeds are firmly attached to your paper. 
Step 7 – Shake

Gently tilt and lightly shake off any excess seeds from your mosaic. 

If needed, look for any gaps or missing areas and add more glue and seeds to fix any mistakes. 
Step 8 – Plant

Save your picture! 

When you’re done admiring your seed picture, cut it up and plant the seeds into small pots or directly in the ground in Spring. 

Some of the seeds (especially any collected from nature) will still sprout! 
  
BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS UPDATE
 
The Gardens are now closed for the season...the gates to the Gardens will remain open for you to enjoy fall walks through November.
 
The Education and Visitor Center is now open.
Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
MASKS ARE REQUIRED!

Gift Shop Opening to be announced.
 
Be sure to watch for announcements on fun learning activities for all ages, and for updates on our classes and programs,
hosted by FBBG - all year - indoors and out!
We’d love to see your creativity!

Tag us on:

Facebook (Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens

Twitter (@FBBG)

or Instagram (friendsofbbg) 

to show off your Seed Mosaic or any of our weekly activities!
Please continue to watch for our weekly activities... 
fun learning for ALL ages!