Time To Go Down To The Woods Again
I remember a song from my childhood (Teddy Bear’s Picnic by Anne Murray) which went:
If you go down in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise
If you go down in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise!
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain
Because today's the day the
Teddy Bears have their picnic.
Picnic time for Teddy Bears
The little Teddy Bears are having
A lovely time today
Watch them, catch them unawares
And see them picnic on their holiday.
See them gaily gad about
They love to play and shout
They never have any cares
At six o'clock their Mommies and Daddies
Will take them home to bed
Because they're tired little Teddy Bears.
Sadly, many of the English woodlands do not exist any more although sometimes, when travelling, I see a woodland for sale and think how lovely it would be to own one. As a child I remember going on an expedition to a local woodland, during spring, to spend an afternoon with my family picking primroses. And today, I have native primroses growing wherever there is a space to pop one in.
Back to Nature Garden
The month of May always means the world renowned annual Chelsea Flower Show - and this year, the Duchess of Cambridge from the British royal family has been in the news with her Back to Nature Garden (co-designed with Andrea Davies and Adam White). This lovely garden included a small woodland complete with tree house, waterfall, rustic den and a campfire, along with tree stumps, stepping stones and a hollow log for children to play on or even in.The garden was inspired by childhood memories that are triggered by the natural world, promoting the physical and emotional well being for young children (in particular) that access to green spaces and gardening provides. The Duchess of Cambridge's own children had a helping hand in decorating the garden, and gave it their seal of approval by trying everything out.
Here is a link to see more about the Back to Nature Garden.