I take a look at town youngsters to whom I give writing workshops, who’ve by no means seen extra “bush” than a vacation resort, and really feel a determined sorrow as a result of they could by no means know what their lives lack, except, somebody, in some way, can present them what the bush can provide them, how a backyard can repay each hour or cent a thousand instances. I attempt to give them a style of it in my books, sufficient in order that they’ll hunt for what they’ve misplaced in play centres with synthetic grass, or colleges with swimming swimming pools and paved courtyards as an alternative of many bushes. However the youngsters will want the suitable companion lecturers, or they’re going to be turned off the primary time they meet a leech or snake or sunburn, or they plant carrots and solely get weeds in return.
