In 1991, when this book was released, I never anticipated that it would be received so lovingly. Like windborne seeds, the ideas from its pages traveled throughout the world, germinated, rooted deeply, and flourished. Now, in this new edition, the spirit lives—and the floral traditions and garden play of our ancestors will reach new generations of readers and nature lovers.
I first thought of this as a collection just for children, but the letters soon proved me wrong. An 80-year-old gardener from Kentucky wrote, “If it is indeed true that it is never too late to be a child at heart, this will be my best spring ever. I am going to plant my first sunflower house.” Letters came from kids as young as three to grown-ups 96 years young. Educators, camp counselors, church groups, horticultural therapists, and 4-H leaders shared the joy of newfound or rediscovered gardening pleasures. I want to thank the thousands of readers who wrote such inspiring letters. I always expected the tide of correspondence to stop, but with the publication of my newest book, Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots, the letters and requests for copies of Sunflower Houses increased. Because of your interest, Sunflower Houses is being reprinted for the tenth time with its new family at Workman Publishing.
My book appeared at a time when people realized that many of our kids are estranged from nature. A movement began in the early 1990s to design and plant community, botanical, and schoolyard gardens specifically for children—our most precious and valuable resource.
Whatever your age, welcome to the pages of Sunflower Houses. May you always remember that the most joyous and important experiences in life are not to be bought, but grown and nurtured in our homes and gardens.
I wish you many garden pleasures and magical memories.