Get messy and muddy making flower bombs for Mother’s Day.

Your Mum can launch them into the garden and watch the slow explosion of blooming flowers when spring arrives.

What you need:

Be aware that these flowers bombs can take 2-5 days to dry in the sun or on a warm windowsill.

• 1 part clay
  You can use wet clay or dry potters clay. Alternatively, you can use clean clumping cat litter.

• 1 part compost soil or potting soil

• Water

• Seeds of choice
  If planted around Mother’s day wildflower seeds will germinate and grow and then start to flower in early spring when the days get longer. You can buy wildflower seeds at your local garden centre and you could also ask garden centre staff for the best seeds to use in your area.

• Gardening gloves or plastic gloves
  This is very important when dealing with compost soil which can be harmful if inhaled or eaten.

What to do:

1. If you have cat litter or dry clay then add water and work your clay into a soft play dough-like consistency.

2. Chop your clay into pieces and start to mix it into the soil.

3. Wearing gloves, mould the soil and clay together with your hands until it’s mixed well.

4. Roll your clay soil mix into small balls about the size of a $2 coin.

5. Make a dent in the ball with your thumb and pop your seeds inside.
   Put between 4 and 8 large seeds inside each ball.
   If using smaller seeds (for example, we used Lobelia seeds which are tiny) you can put a pinch of the seeds inside each bomb.

6. Close the seeds inside the ball and mould them gently into a ball shape.

7. You can make a mark on the top of the bombs for decoration. We used the end of a straw to create a flower pattern.

8. Leave the bombs in the sun to dry for about 2 to 4 days.

9. Store the flower bombs in a breathable package, either an egg carton or a paper bag are ideal.

10. Add decorations and labels to the package, including information about the flowers.
    You could gift them to your Mum on Mother’s Day, maybe alongside a bunch of flowers and other gifts that she can enjoy now.

How do they work?

The hard dried balls of clay and soil help to protect the seeds from birds and other animals, but over time, their exposure to the elements outside will make them break down.

The seeds have nutrients from the soil around them and with the right amount of light and water will begin to grow.

WARNING:
Never throw these bombs in conservation areas or farmland! These bombs are designed to add a splash of colour to your mum’s garden only.

Did you give it a go?

Send us a photo of your flower bombs and you might find your creation featured in a future issue of Upstart magazine… AND win a prize!