We are doing something; we are trying to open the book of nature to children by the proper key––knowledge, acquaintance by look and name, if not more, with bird and flower and tree; we see, too, that the magic of poetry makes knowledge vital, and children and grown-ups quote a verse which shall add blackness to the ashbud, tender wonder to that "flower in the crannied wall," a thrill to the song of the lark. As for the numerous field clubs of the northern towns, the members of which, weavers, miners, artisans, reveal themselves as accomplished botanists, birdmen, geologists, their Saturday rambles mean not only "life," but splendid joy.
Charlotte Mason Toward a Philosophy of Education pp328-9
Jemimah and I found a new favourite place on Monday, the St Arnaud Regional Park, just five minutes away from the girl's ballet school. We packed a picnic of tea and chocolate cake today for our second visit, and were pleasantly surprised to stumble upon a sizable stand of grass trees, as well as a delightful viewing area, with views over the nearby town.
Late summer is not a good time for flowering plants in Central Victoria, and so we found plant identification a bit beyond us, but a few visits throughout the year should rectify that. There is certainly quite a variety of flora, even if we don't know yet what most of it is. Box and Ironbark trees there are in abundance, as well as some wattles and some little yellow everlasting daisies. Jemimah also spied a large bearded dragon, which was quite exciting, even if I didn't manage to get it on film for you all.
Most of our favourite nature study regions are close to home. We love spending time in the same place, watching the seasonal changes. Today we saw nary a bird. I cannot imagine that situation lasting for long, now that summer is coming to a close, and I am sure that we will see kookaburras and parrots before long. That will be fun. Soon the flowers will come, and maybe some animals as well. I can't wait to tell you what we find.
P.S. Jemimah is dressed for dance. She doesn't normally go for nature rambles in skintight shocking pink Lycra, although I must say that she looks quite gorgeous when she does!
We have had so many birds visiting! Most of them have been welcome - an immature koel and sundry butcher birds, kookaburras, invisible whip birds etc. But the satin bower birds have been stealing my chillies! This does not a happy book chook make.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks quite dry and crisp Jeanne. Still looking for rain in your parts? It is glorious weather here today hot and sunny with a strong breeze. Because we live so close to a botanical garden here we get lots of opportunities to wander, even though in the centre of town Something my boys are not into but the grandchildren love it. It has a wonderful native species collection and also many traditional plants used for healing. We did a tour of those a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering how Susan's bower birds like the heat of the chillies or are they decorative only?
Yes Jeanne it is a long time since I have been on blogs but I feel we keep up over on FB :-) I posted last weekend and I am hoping to be a bit more regular again.
P.S. Miss Jemimah is growing up very fast.
ReplyDeleteLovely series of photos.
ReplyDelete