Episode 1/25

@ Spring Sonnets
Melancholy Mae has just received an unexpected gift; a richly decorated egg! Opening it, she is astonished when the egg fills her mind with a series of themed visions!
2021 Floral Easter Egg
This magical floral egg invites your pet to explore the concept of RENEWAL at Easter, as in plant life putting forth new shoots and leaves, fresh spring flowers, pollinating insects, young animals and also renewal in the sense of meditation and contemplation.
Spring Sonnets
Spring has been the inspiration for many poets, from Chaucer and Shakespeare to Wordsworth, Blake, Housman, Tennyson, Rossetti and Larkin. Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-89) wrote many sonnets, including Spring, that season, Hopkins describes, When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush.

Episode 2/25

@ Magenta Peony Bud
“What's your favourite Easter thing, Turbo?” asked Melancholy Mae.
“Chocolate eggs, Turbo!" said Melancholy Mae. "Preferably one huge one, filled with lots of little ones!"
Magenta Peony Bud
The fattest and most scrumptious of all flowers, a rare fusion of fluff and majesty, the peony is now coming into bloom.
Henry Mitchell, American writer (1923-93)

Episode 3/25

@ Green Shoot of Recovery
“Did you know, Dai, that 76% of pets, when given a chocolate bunny, will bite off the ears first?” asked Melancholy Mae.
“Oh really, Melancholy Mae, how do they know?” said Dai. "Perhaps they just make these statistics up."
Green Shoot of Recovery
Even the most unlikely of habitats cannot stop the forces of nature, as a brave green sprout emerges into the sunlight!

Episode 4/25

@ Raspberry Ripple Tulip
While Melancholy Mae stood drinking in the amazing view, Julian searched in his backpack for his camera, eager to capture the scene!
Raspberry Ripple Tulip
There's a tulip for every setting! These easy to grow flowers originated in the arid regions of Central Asia with colours limited to reds and yellows, but nowadays they come in a wealth of different hues!

Episode 5/25

@ Mauve Plumage
“What's your favourite Easter thing, Isabella?” asked Melancholy Mae.
“Chocolate eggs, Isabella!" said Melancholy Mae. "Preferably one huge one, filled with lots of little ones!"
Mauve Plumage
These delicate sprays in purple and green make a fine backdrop to any spring setting. It is the purple crepe myrtle tree, which comes from China or Korea.

Episode 6/25

@ Social Butterfly
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Easter cards, wouldn't it, Melancholy Mae?” asked Huntley.
“It certainly would, Huntley!" said Melancholy Mae.
Social Butterfly
The sight of brightly coloured butterflies dancing across a garden, pausing here and there to balance on bright petals to feed from a flower is a welcome sign that spring has returned!

Episode 7/25

@ Leaf Photosynthesis 101
Melancholy Mae was in a hurry to move along and shake some more paws, but Lise decided to stay where she was for a while, and sketch the image for this week's Art Challenge!
Leaf Photosynthesis 101
Leaves provide food for plants, plants provide the food for all living organisms on Earth. Without plants, all other food chains would fail.
Leaves have several features that play an important role in photosynthesis. A large surface area helps the leaf to absorb as much sunlight as possible. Leaves are thin, minimising the distance for carbon dioxide to travel into leaf cells. A midrib provides strength throughout the leaf, keeping it upright and sturdy in the wind. Chlorophyll is the green pigment that absorbs sunlight. Veins transport water and glucose around the plant. The petiole attaches the leaf to the plant’s stem. Stomata are tiny openings or pores, which allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit the leaf.

Episode 8/25

@ Easter Wishes
Melancholy Mae was in a hurry to move along and shake some more paws, but Lovely decided to stay where she was for a while, and sketch the image for this week's Art Challenge!
Easter Wishes
A handmade Easter card with some delicate pastel-coloured macarons are the perfect spring greeting for a deserving pet!

Episode 9/25

@ Brown Bunny
“Time to move on and shake the next paw!” observed Melancholy Mae. Slushie agreed, but said she was going to stay here awhile and admire the scene.
Brown Bunny
This adorable brown bunny is an enduring symbol of Easter. His long pink ears, button nose and cotton tail gives him his distinctive, cuddly appearance.

Episode 10/25

@ Cotton Bud
Melancholy Mae and Pony Pony shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Melancholy Mae. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said Pony Pony. “This is my best side.”
Cotton Bud
Where would we be without cotton? It forms a part of many staples, from clothes to cleansing wipes. It has been cultivated for over 5000 years, yet it was only in the 1950s that modern farming methods moved away from the horse, and handpicking. Today’s cutting-edge technology allows farmers to grow cotton more efficiently.

Episode 11/25

@ Spring Snowdrops
“Time to move on and shake the next paw!” observed Melancholy Mae. maddie moo agreed, but said she was going to stay here awhile and admire the scene.
Spring Snowdrops
For welcome assurance that the brighter days of spring are on their way, look no further than snowdrops. They are surprisingly varied in height, flower size, shape and even colouring. Given a good moist soil they will multiply into drifts and provide plenty of plants between January and March to share with fellow gardeners!

Episode 12/25

@ Think Pink!
“I think spring is definitely my favourite season, Melancholy Mae,” said Bella.
“I think it's mine too, Bella, particularly after a cold, icy winter!" said Melancholy Mae.
Think Pink!
In the language of flowers, pink tulips stand for affection, caring, good wishes and love. They are very versatile and popular spring plants, perfectly blending with cool-toned blues and purples on one end of the colour spectrum and reds and oranges on the other. When planting your tulip bulbs, choose a sunny spot in well-drained soil and plant around October or November time, before the first frosts hit.

Episode 13/25

@ Roots Bear Shoots
Melancholy Mae has seen a lot already, but much more lies ahead. The egg isn't done yet! But guess what - the egg gives her a special prize!
Blossoms Array (Pink)
A simple arrangement of flowers, perfect for any occasion.
Roots Bear Shoots
With the unfurling of new life taking place after winter has gone, Mother Nature's cycle begins again. After lying dormant over the coldest months, leaves and plants feel the warmer weather as spring starts to breathe life into them.

Episode 14/25

@ Open for Business
"Do you know what this place needs, Melancholy Mae?"
"No, VioletMystic, what does it need?"
"Nothing, Melancholy Mae. This scene is flawless!"
Open for Business
This neon sign will be an important part of a businesspet's store or retail centre! It allows other pets to see from afar even at night that you are open for trading!

Episode 15/25

@ Perfect Picnic Place
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Easter cards, wouldn't it, Melancholy Mae?” asked Isabella.
“It certainly would, Isabella!" said Melancholy Mae.
Perfect Picnic Place
This woodland nook is the perfect spot for your pets' al fresco lunch! Sunny but with plenty of shade, this handy table and benches provide seating for several pets.

Episode 16/25

@ Dawn Raid Rabbit
“Time to move on and shake the next paw!” observed Melancholy Mae. Juke agreed, but said he was going to stay here awhile and admire the scene.
Dawn Raid Rabbit
A brown rabbit at dawn in a meadow with dew still clinging to the grass and flower stems. Its big ears enable it to monitor for predators.

Episode 17/25

@ Mellow Yellow Tulips
“What's your favourite Easter thing, Melancholy Mae?” asked Milagros.
“Hot cross buns, with lots of butter, Milagros!" said Melancholy Mae.
Mellow Yellow Tulips
Beautiful bright sunshine-yellow tulips provide a lovely contrast to the green stems and leaves.

Episode 18/25

@ Meditation Rocks
Melancholy Mae and Finn were so rapt gazing at the image before them that they almost forgot to shake paws before moving on to the next stage!
Meditation Rocks
A stack like this of four rocks typically indicates the location of a trail or to indicate a memorial. These stacks have navigational meanings, such as indicating turns or forks in a trail or path. The topmost stone might have one side that has a sharp point aiming towards the direction of the path to be taken. Whatever its purpose, a little cairn is an ideal focus point when carrying out a meditation.

Episode 19/25

@ Spring Lamb
“Did you know, poddu laddoo, that 76% of pets, when given a chocolate bunny, will bite off the ears first?” asked Melancholy Mae.
“Oh really, Melancholy Mae, how do they know?” said poddu laddoo. "Anyway, 64% of statistics are just made up."
Spring Lamb
This adorable lamb is one of the first signs that spring is beginning!

Episode 20/25

@ Paper Capers
Melancholy Mae and samx295 were entranced at reaching this stopping place and eagerly posed for a picture!
Paper Capers
A must-have for every well-organised pet, this handy spiral-bound notebook is a useful size and can be pressed into service for shopping lists—or indeed any type of list—or whenever inspiration strikes that needs committing to paper!

Episode 21/25

@ Industrious Bee
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Easter cards, wouldn't it, Melancholy Mae?” asked Flicka.
“It certainly would, Flicka!" said Melancholy Mae.
Industrious Bee
Bees and honey are mentioned quite often in the Bible as bees, in particular, play a significant role in both Christianity and Judaism, symbolising wisdom, wealth and industry.
On tins of Lyle's Golden Syrup and Black Treacle is a picture of a lion and bees, representing the story of Samson and the honey as related in Judges 14: Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.

Episode 22/25

@ Not Hyacinth Bucket, a Hyacinth Bouquet!
“Oh hello, Melancholy Mae!” cried Foxy. “Didn’t we bump into each other on the ski slopes last winter?”
Not Hyacinth Bucket, a Hyacinth Bouquet!
The perfect Easter gift! Hyacinths are spring-blooming bulbs with deep coloured flowers and an incredible fragrance that can perfume your whole garden. They bloom in mid-spring at the same time as daffodils and early tulips, and come in a rainbow of colours including white, cream, pink, rose, apricot, lavender, cobalt blue, deep purple, and wine red. Like other spring-flowering bulbs, hyacinths are easy to grow. Just plant the bulbs in autumn to enjoy beautiful flowers the following spring.

Episode 23/25

@ Triplet of Green-Pencilled Snow
Melancholy Mae was very happy to meet Tommy here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of Exploring Easter so far!
Triplet of Green-Pencilled Snow
A northern wind had frozen the grass;
Its blades were hoar with crystal rime,
Aglint like light-dissecting glass
At beam of morning prime.

From hidden bulb the flower reared up
Its angled, slender, cold, dark stem,
Whence dangled an inverted cup
For tri-leaved diadem.

Beneath these ice-pure sepals lay
A triplet of green-pencilled snow,
Which in the chill-aired gloom of day
Stirred softly to and fro.

from The Snowdrop by Walter de la Mare, 1929

Episode 24/25

@ March Hare
“What's your favourite Easter thing, Fanny?” asked Melancholy Mae.
“Chocolate eggs, Fanny!" said Melancholy Mae. "Preferably one huge one, filled with lots of little ones!"
March Hare
This cute March hare comes with an Easter offering of a painted egg! Who can resist that floppy ear and grin?

Episode 25/25

@ Willow Sunday
At last the egg ceases to fill Melancholy Mae's mind with visions. As the last one fades, the egg disappears. In it's place, Melancholy Mae finds she now has a wonderful prize!
Blossoms Array (Purple)
A simple arrangement of flowers, perfect for any occasion.
Willow Sunday
In the Ukraine the willow, which blooms in early spring and symbolises the beginning of a new life, is used to symbolise palm leaves on Palm Sunday. The feast is popularly called Willow Sunday.
On this day willow branches are blessed in the church. After Palm Sunday services, it was customary for Ukrainians to tap each other with the blessed willow branches to wish them good health, wealth and happiness as they repeat the wish: Be as tall as the willow, as healthy as the water and as rich as the Earth. Not I am tapping, the willow is tapping. Easter is in a week!
Melancholy Mae has completed the quest! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can take part in "Exploring Easter"!