Every day you walk through your own neighborhood; maybe you go to the shops or to the library. You walk to the bus stop or the Metro, to go to school or work. Sometimes you think, wow, so many daisies here! But usually you don't notice it, because you walk here every day.
In 2023, we got to know our neighborhood really well! Funnily enough, thanks to a super fun activity by the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden: searching for sidewalk plants! We all, young and older, had a lot of fun with that project.
Today the weather is beautiful, soft and mild and sunny. Just one more month and then summer begins. Spring will already be over. Come on little monsters, put away that Switch, that book, and stop drawing! We are going outside, the weather is beautiful!
The monsters: Where are we going then? We: You’ll see, it’s a surprise. Come on, we’re heading this way! Monsters: Why? Are we going to walk then? Can’t we go by bike or to the bus stop? We: No, we can note, because we’re going to walk.’ Shuffle, shuffle, here we go!
The coots aren't shuffling along at all; they're happily scrambling in the grass, the three of them. We don't know what they're looking for, but they're having a good time. If we get too close, the fun is over; they quickly cross our path and splash into the water. Into a whole flock of coots, who are already bobbing around there merrily.
Once on our way, the mood quickly improves. We soon spot almost a field of daisies—just wait a moment, we want to pick some and make a wreath. That's fine by us, there are plenty!
A little further on, we have to stop again; there are dandelionsand lots of beautiful fluffy seed heads! We have to blow on them and then also make wishes, and there are many whishes flying around. Because that’s allowed when the fluff flies away. :))
Whole discussions are starting up: are these Shepherd's Purses, in the first photograph? No, it is Yarrow. Are you sure, yes, right? It could also be Ground Elder. Take a good lookagain at the leaves... No, we do think it's Yarrow after all.
We don't recognize the flowers in the second and third photos; but both flowers are very beautiful! The light pink flowers might be Deadnettles? But the white ones could maybe have blown over from a nearby garden. Or it might be Wood Sorrel, but the leaves look different.
The little monsters find the light pink flowers very special! Especially those under a tree, surrounded by beautiful green and white leaves (unknown by name to us as well). In between, we do see little yellow Silverweed flowers popping up, which are also very sweet. A large heron is standing in the ditch; he stays standing still for the photo, he must be used to it :D
We aren't sure about the small white flowers either, but... the purple Ground Ivy is recognized by everyone immediately and without a doubt! We should have turned this into a scavenger hunt (we will definitely do that next time!). In any case, the little monsters are happily busy outside instead of hanging around gaming or doing another indoor activity.
Finally a small field with stunning Purple Dead-nettles, which we leave undisturbed. But of the other flowers along the way home, a few are picked by our enthusiastic little monsters. That’s fine, because there are so many and the little monsters would love to take some home with them.
We don't need to warn them not to pick too much; they've known that for a long time. Back home, the flowers are first cut off and then immediately placed in a small glass of water; we have to say, it looks very nice on the cabinet!
It was a lovely walk, and everyone agrees with it!