1 . Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
The over 70-acre Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a scientific centre for the study of plants, as well as a popular tourist attraction. It is the second oldest botanic garden in Britain. Originally founded in 1670 as a garden to grow medicinal plants, its living collection consists of more than 15,000 plants.
Open daily from 10 am(except December 25 and January 31). Closed at 4 p.m.(Nov—Feb. ) 6 p.m.(Mar. and Oct.), 7 pm(Apr.—Sept. )
Entry: Free(Tel: 01315 527171)
The Dingle Garden, Wales
The Dingle Garden is set in the heart of beautiful mid-Wales. The four-acre garden is south-facing with paths that wind down the slope to a lake and small waterfall. The beds are colour-themed to look good all year round. This peaceful garden, full of wildlife, is the perfect spot for a relaxing wander at any time of year.
Open daily 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Only closed for one week at Christmas.
Entry: Adults £3, seniors £3, children free(Tel: 01938555145)
Groombridge Place, Keat
Groombridge Place in Kent, set in 200 acres of wooded parkland, has been the inspiration for books, films and television programmes. Inside the garden walls at Groombridge Place lies a hidden world. For three hundred years these gardens were unseen, except by a favoured few. The gardens were laid out in the 17th century. In the 18th and 19th centuries new plants were introduced and many trees were planted.
Late Mar.—early Nov.: Open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm(or dusk if earlier)
Entry: Adults £8.95, seniors and children £7.45(Tel: 01892861444)
Hidcote Manor Garden, Gloucestershire
Hidcote garden covers 10.5 acres of gently sloping ground. It was designed by a plant collector who sponsored and participated in plant hunting expeditions to secure rare and unusual species for this extremely pretty garden.
Open from the end of March to early November.
March 24 to July 1 and during September, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Thursdays and Fridays. July 2 to August 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Thursdays. October 1 to November 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
Entry: Adults £7.27, children £3,36, family £18.18(Tel: 01386 438333)
1. From the text we can learn that Royal Botanic Garden ________.A.is the oldest botanic garden | B.has a few medicinal plants |
C.opens daily from 10 am to 4 pm | D.is free of charge for visitors |
A.Royal Botanic Garden. | B.Groombridge Place |
C.The Dingle Garden. | D.Hidcote Manor Garden. |
A.cover a large area | B.are closed during winter |
C.display rare and unusual species | D.are crowded with visitors in summer |
2 . In most cases, mice definitely don't appeal to people in real life. But when they appear in films, it will be totally different.
Stuart Little in Stuart Little
Stuart Little is a 1999 live-action science-fiction comedy adventure film, based on 1945 novel of the same name by E. B. White.
Stuart is a mouse but can speak like humans. Despite his little size, the talking white mouse is never afraid to be himself and try big things.
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore in Alvin and the Chipmunks
Alvin, Simon and Theodore are three mice in Alvin and the Chipmunks, a 2007 American live action musical comedy film. The tree that they live in is cut down and driven to Los Angeles. There, they meet David Seville, a struggling songwriter and composer, who has changed them into a very successful band of singers.
Remy in Ratatouille
Remy is a highly intelligent and idealistic young rat in the 2007 American computer-animated comedy film Ratatouille. With unusual senses of taste and smell, he dreams of becoming a chef like his idol(偶像), the late Auguste Gusteau.
He befriends Linguini, the garbage boy, in Suguste Gusteau's restaurant and has helped him become a famous cook. He hides under Linguini's hat and guides his movements by pulling on his hair.
Totoro in My Neighbor Totoro
It is hard to relate the character in the Japanese animation film My Neighbour Totoro to any creature close to a mouse. But the image for Totoro was inspired by something similar to a mouse-chinchilla. The animation film was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki in 1988.
Totoro becomes a friend to many children as well as adults. It always reminds people of the beautiful natural landscape of the countryside.
1. Which film is adapted from a novel with the same title?A.Stuart Little. | B.Alvin and the Chipmunks. |
C.Ratatouille. | D.My Neighbour Totoro. |
A.Theodore. | B.David Seville |
C.Hayao Miyazaki. | D.Auguste Gusteau. |
A.It is very ambitious. | B.It can sing very well. |
C.It is not a mouse actually. | D.It is a wonderful cook. |
3 . Great Activities for Nature Lovers
Hiking
One of the easiest and most accessible ways to get close to nature is by setting out on a good old fashioned hike. Hiking generally doesn’t require any fancy equipment or special skills, just a piece of map and a thirst for adventure. This activity can be as relaxing as you make it.
Backcountry Camping
Why limit yourself to just a day hike when you can have a full weekend (or longer) adventure? Backcountry camping involves packing your tent, sleeping gear, food, and water on your back to set up camp in a remote location. If you’re an experienced hiker and camper, this is an excellent way to test your survival skills and explore the wilderness.
Mountain and Road Biking
Unlike long hikes through the woods, biking allows you to cover more ground and travel farther in nature. Mountain biking typically involves riding up and down steep slopes, between trees, and over rocks. If this sounds too intense or your tires aren’t suited for rugged terrain, consider taking a road bike on paved trails through forest preserves or along country roads.
Gardening
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to travel beyond your own backyard to experience the beauty of nature every day. If your personality is less adventurous or your mobility restricted, consider planting a garden to grow your own vegetables, fruits, herbs, or flowers. There’s something truly satisfying about mixing up a salad with fresh ingredients you grew yourself. One of the best parts about spending time in nature is that it doesn’t have to break your budget and anyone can do it.
1. What does hiking need for hikers?A.A world map. | B.A strong desire. |
C.Practical skills. | D.Necessary equipment. |
A.To a backyard. | B.To a forest. |
C.To a mountain. | D.To a distant place. |
A.Hiking | B.Backcountry Camping |
C.Gardening. | D.Mountain and Road Biking |