Children and the Landscape

I've talked quite a bit about how I became enamored with the landscape, but I often look at my children and wonder if they'll make their own special connections.

My 10-year-old daughter and three-year-old son seem to have that initial spark.  They enjoy being outside playing ball, chasing butterflies and climbing trees.  My 13-year-old son never seemed to ignite that spark.  If given the choice, he'll choose inside.  His outside choices revolve around group activities like camping or sports - all good, but he's not usually the initiator.  Are these connections genetic, environmental...a little bit of both?

Image courtesy of Jonas Peterson

My Childhood Garden: Role Play

As a child manipulation of my environment often led to role play.  The woodlands provided an overabundant supply of props, space and mystery.

Photo courtesy of karen clarke photography

One day we were having a tea party, while the next day we were adventurous explorers blazing new trails.  The "props" (like primitive bridges, forts and stepping stones) left by others often conjured up mysteries to be solved.

Photo courtesy of Gingerlillytea

Every day was a new story just waiting to unfold.  I hope my own children discover their own theater in our backyard (or nearby woodland).

Photo courtesy of Nicole Hill Gerulat and party items from Acme Party Box

My Childhood Garden: Tomato Plants

I've been thinking about this a lot lately...why am I drawn to beautiful gardens, wispy woodlands, and pristine farmsteads?

You may wonder too when I reveal my childhood landscape...basically, one devoid of anything but lawn, tomato plants and the mulberry tree out front.

Photo courtesy of Stig Rossby Photographs

I love my parents, but they were not gardeners. My mom had a slightly green thumb when she grew her favorite food...the tomato (but do you really need any gardening knowledge for that?). She plopped them in the only exposed soil between the concrete walk and house foundation.

Photo courtesy of Krystle Reeves Photography

To make matters worse, I didn't even like tomatoes (I'll eat some now). Basically, our yard was empty...perfect for baseball, kick the bucket and mulberry collecting (all very good childhood memories).

Does not having a glamorous landscape make a child yearn for one?