Gardening advice, information and commentary from the Capitol Hill Garden Club. Send your questions to [email protected]
As winter approaches with shorter hours of daylight, continue your connection to nature around the family game table. Board games are back, and wildlife-themed games provide all ages an opportunity to learn about plants and animals in a fun way.
I have preschoolers. Are my kids too young for board games?
Cooperative board games where all players work together are ideal for young children. In Wildcraft – An Herbal Adventure Game, players (ages 4+) gather huckleberries and herbs for Grandma. Along the way, they may face trouble, obstacles like a bee sting or scraped knee, and need to find an herbal remedy for their ailment. Players collect cards of edible plants and healing herbs. Icons on the trouble cards match up with icons on the plant cards so even a non-reader will know what plant can be used for healing. Sliding down waterfalls, crossing logs, and following deer trails add to the adventure. The game includes access to a digital story that will take players deeper into safe and sustainable harvesting of wild plants. Check out learningherbs.com for more resources on this game and wildcrafting, that is gathering herbs, plants and fungi from the wild.
My grandson enjoys birding on Kingman Island. Are there any games that could help him learn more about his favorite birds?
The award-winning game Wingspan, designed by local resident Elizabeth Hargrave, has sold over two million copies worldwide. Players create a wildlife preserve by placing birds in forest, prairie and wetland habitats. Richly illustrated bird cards feature food preference, nest type and factual tidbits. “It’s amazing to me. I’ve heard over and over from people that they have seen birds in the wild and they actually know what they were because they played enough Wingspan to ,” stated Hargrave at a Smithsonian event earlier this year. An avid fan created the free app, Wingsong. Just hold the card in front of a smartphone camera and listen to the bird’s song. Wingspan is popular for ages 10+. It also contains rules for one player.
My family loves hiking at the Arboretum. Is there a game about trees?
The player who has taken the most recent walk in the woods goes first in the game Forest Shuffle. Turns are very fast and simple as 2-5 players (age 10+) gather trees and create a balanced habitat of animals, plants and mushrooms. The cards have different costs and powers and the strategies to win the game change every time it is played. Points are scored for a variety of outcomes such as growing a forest with all eight tree species, collecting a set of different butterflies or the number of cards the hibernating bear has stored in its cave. When the third winter card is played, the game ends immediately. The nature theme, beautiful art and eco friendly (no plastic) design make it a good choice for families.
I’m hosting game night for friends and want an easy game. What do you suggest?
A game with simple rules, fast-paced and ideal for your gardening friends is Planted. Players collect and nurture their favorite houseplants, 42 popular ones to choose from, by providing appropriate amounts of water, light, and plant food. Well-illustrated cards with high quality wood and plastic playing pieces add to the game’s appeal. Plant people will enjoy its replayability. Green thumb optional!
Nature-themed games make wonderful holiday gifts and are available at independent game stores and online. Labyrinth Games & Puzzles in Eastern Market offers expert help and demo games to play. Have fun!
Want to learn more about gardening or spend time with people who like plants? the Capitol Hill Garden Club, more information on the club website at capitolhillgardenclub.org.
