Wildflowers: October 15, 2025
Nature Names and Morning Chats
We gathered together in the morning, and one girl shared that she used to have a nickname in kindergarten, Snowy Owl. That got us talking about nature names, so I told them mine: Heron. Is it because I have long legs and a long neck like one, or because I live by the river and see herons all the time?
One Little Tadpole Sparks an Idea
One of the girls brought a book from home called One Little Tadpole, and soon everyone was flipping through it. On the last page, it suggested making your own pond. Of course, that instantly became the plan for the day.
We made a list of what we’d need — sand or gravel, rocks and logs, plants, and some rain or river water. The girls wanted to make it in my plunge pool, but I suggested we start small and see how it goes first!
Building the Pond
We grabbed a watertight bucket and started collecting materials. Stones and logs came from the backyard, and then we made a quick trip down to the Flats for sand. The girls scooped and carried it back, then took turns adding the first layer to the bottom of the bucket.
Ideas started flying:
“Let’s make a ramp for toads.”
“Let’s make a cave for fishies.”
“Here’s a bench!”
“Here’s a bridge!”
At one point, a girl cheered, “Good ideas, guys!” and then added, “I don’t have any ideas.” But honestly, she was showing one of the most important ways to contribute: encouragement. (And sure enough, she had plenty of ideas a few minutes later.)
There was so much problem-solving happening as they discussed where to place everything. Then one girl suddenly exclaimed, “Wait! Wood floats! It’s all gonna float up when we put the water in!” After some quick thinking, another suggested putting rocks on top of the wood to hold it down.
Books, Birds, and Hot Dogs
While most of the group stayed busy with the pond, one of the girls and I took a quiet break to read Have You Seen My Acorn?, a sweet story about a little squirrel trying to remember where he hid his acorn, with lots of fun forest friends along the way.
When the builders finished, they proudly gave us a “tour” of the pond. There was a spot for baths (with a pottery shard for flooring), a shelter for the “fishies,” and a food corner. Our oldest Wildflower led a round of high fives for everyone, which got the whole group giggling.
We decided to wait until our next trip to the Flats to fill the pond, so we took a break to roast hot dogs around the fire. While we were eating, one girl spotted a cardinal and gasped, “That’s incredible!” We admired the bright red male and found the more camouflaged female sitting quietly on a log below him.
Face Paints and River Adventures
After lunch, the girls were back in creative mode, heading to the mud kitchen to make “face paint” again. There was a lot of experimenting and commentary as they tested colours and consistency: “This colour is NOT drippy!”
Next, we went down to the Flats again. Some girls caught tiny fish and collected river plants for the pond, while others sat with me on the bank and tried their hand at whittling.
Finishing Touches and Afternoon Sunshine
Back at Heron Tree Estates, we finally filled the pond and admired our work. Lunch in the geodesic dome felt extra cozy with the sun shining through. After eating, the girls relaxed and played; making a home for a toad, playing hide and seek, and doing a bit of yoga and “suntanning” on the mats. (Suntanning is just a Sit Spot if you think about it 😉).
As the day went on, the mud play began in full force, and by the end, everyone was thoroughly covered, a sure sign of a good day. Blue jays screamed from the trees, swooping down for the peanuts we’d left earlier, and before we knew it, it was time to pack up.
We ended the day at the playground, happy and muddy and full of stories to tell.
Thanks for a great day, Wildflowers!
