The Rain Flower

An adventure story about the journey of the night creatures and the day creatures to find a rain flower that will benefit them all. Their journey is one of learning and their discovery is unexpected. Suitable for 6-7 year olds.

On a far off world millions of miles away from earth, a colony sets itself on a planet much like earth except for clouds and rain which covers the planet on a ten year cycle. In the colony there is a school and the children who have been born on this planet had never seen a clear sunny day. There are also flowers on the planet that would come out and bloom once every ten years But would close up as soon as the rain comes back once again. On this day a classroom is about to end it's day and a lesson is about to begin.

An emotive and timeless collection of short stories by the much-loved Rosamunde Pilcher. Through thick mist and a cold east wind, Lavinia returns to Scotland. Up at the big house Mrs Farquhar is dying. Seeing Lachlan again, Lavinia remembers her childhood holidays there: swimming in the loch, the picnics, bottle-feeding the lambs down at the farm and the evenings when they danced reels. Most of all, she remembers Mrs Farquhar's grandson Rory. In the house, as the old lady lies serene and beautiful in the bed she has slept in since coming home to Lachlan as a bride, Lavinia meets Rory once again. Flowers in the Rain is one of sixteen stories, each giving another magical glimpse into Rosamunde Pilcher's world. The world in which most would prefer to live all the time.

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.