Taking Root Garden Design is now offering local homeschool garden and nature classes.
See below for more information or share with someone you know!
Taking Root Homeschool Collective
Exploring God’s Creation Through Nature and the Garden
I’m a fellow homeschool mom of 10+ years as well as a garden designer and nature educator and I’d love to share my passion for God’s creation with your kids! Kids are indoors and on screens more than ever these days but there is an antidote- time in nature and in the garden! But what does that look like? If you want your children to spend more time outdoors and in the garden but aren’t sure where to start, I’m here to help.
Fall 2026 Classes
EACH MONTH INCLUDES
Monthly nature & garden themes explored through small outdoor classes
Nature journaling, hands-on garden activities, trail-side observations, and nature games
Connections to scripture and God’s design in creation
Nature journal pages are provided each class tailored towards younger (5-8) or older (9-12) students. These pages will provide a focus for that day’s material with areas for detailed nature observation, challenging questions related to class content, and observations and conclusions for hands-on projects and experiments.
For hands-on projects and experiments, older students will have a more challenging set of questions or materials to work with.
Parents will receive a monthly email newsletter with:
At‑home learning ideas for older and younger students
Family read aloud recommendations for that month’s theme
Parent book recommendation to deepen your own nature and garden knowledge
A monthly suggested local kid-friendly hike
Fall 2026 Dates
Classes meet on Fridays
Aug 28
Sept 11, 25
Oct 9, 23
Nov 6, 20
Dec 4
Please Note: Extreme Weather make up days are: September 18, October 16, November 13, December 11
Classes will meet in all sorts of weather so dress accordingly. There is one make-up day scheduled per month and will only be used if classes need to be cancelled due to extreme weather.
Fall 2026 Times
Signs up are open for Cohort A.
Cohort A meets 1-2:30 p.m. (once filled, cohort B will open for sign ups)
Cohort B meets 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
If you have siblings you wish to be in the same class and there is not enough room left in the first cohort for both siblings, please contact me directly to see what we can do.
LOCATION FALL 2026
Classes will be held at Woodland Park, 821 W. 9th Street, Columbia, TN
This location allows for access to trails close by to pavilions, a pond, mature trees and gardens, restrooms, and a playground for parents to take non-class siblings to play in the background. This class is not a drop off. Parents must be available to take their child to the bathroom during class or tend to their non-class needs.
“Kristin is not only incredibly knowledgeable about nature and gardening, she is passionate about nature and gardening! Her excitement pours over into all she teaches and the children can’t help but be inspired too! She asks great questions, engages the children in fun games and thoughtful hands-on projects, and sparks their curiosity. But most importantly she points all the learning back to God- she really encourages the children to see God’s handiwork all around them! I would highly recommend checking the Taking Root Homeschool Collective out!”
“Kristin is a knowledgeable, patient, thorough teacher! My student had so much fun that she didn’t even realize how much she was learning about God’s world.”
STUDENT SUPPLIES
Each child will be required to bring some basic class supplies such as a nature journal, pencil, coloring supplies, scissors, rubber cement and a magnifying glass. A list of these supplies will be sent out each month. Any special materials needed for class projects or experiment are included in the class fee.
Class Prices:
1 month of classes (2 total classes): $55 per child
Available Discounts:
Fall Semester Package Discount (8 total classes): $200 per child (save $20)
Sibling Discount: If you register 3 or more children, you will receive 10% off your total registration
Payment due upon registration.
Payment accepted via venmo. Venmo @takingrootgardendesign
If payment via venmo poses a difficulty, contact Kristin to make other arrangements: takingrootgardendesign@gmail.com, 413.335.2383
The class fee includes a $5/month materials fee. This will allow for monthly take home projects and experiments. All materials for these activities will be provided at class.
“We absolutely loved Mrs. Kristin’s nature class this spring! Both my daughter and I looked forward to every session. Mrs. Kristin’s genuine passion for nature is contagious. We both came away with new knowledge and a greater appreciation for God’s creation. My daughter especially loved the hands-on take-home activities, like growing her own microgarden. It was wonderful to see her excitement as she cared for it and watched it grow.”
“Kristin is so knowledgeable about complex nature subjects. She makes it easy for the kids to understand! She’s a wiz with kids and the class is very stimulating. They were wonderful classes and I’ve signed up for more!”