1 . The pandemic-caused lockdown(封锁) threw up many trends, but one that shows no sign of dwindling(减少) is “cottagecore”.
So, what is cottagecore all about? Cottagecore is a social media trend seen as a romanticized explanation of countryside living, where cottage-dwellers can make homemade jam and live off the land.
Naomi Stuart, who documents her countryside dream on her cottagecore Instagram page, says, “Since lockdown, the trend has become far more popular with people who look for rural properties when they work from home. Gorgeous images on social media of living in the countryside have sold the dream that life out in the sticks is less stressful. And it is. I share my cottage life as I hope it will give people a little insight into what living in a small village surrounded by the countryside is like. Peace and quiet, the sounds of nature, no road noise, cows and sheep in the nearby fields, horse riders and dog walkers going by. For me, it is the perfect de-stress cure for everyday stresses and strains that we all have.”
With COVID-19 grounding most of the world, “home” has taken on a new meaning. And as we make sense of our new normal, the focus is being placed firmly on living a simple and slower life.
Cottagecore is a concept that anyone can embrace. Look at decorating your home in a traditional, old-fashioned style and take up skills such as drying flowers, spending time growing vegetables and enjoying time in the evening by candlelight with loved ones. The interpretation of cottagecore spans a variety of ideas, from slow fashion to home decor(装饰), home cooked meals, and gardening.
1. What do the underlined words “in the sticks” in paragraph 3 probably mean?| A．In the forests. | B．In the country areas. |
| C．In the unfurnished houses. | D．In the abandoned buildings. |
| A．It tends to decline during the lockdown. |
| B．It is a way to keep away from COVID-19. |
| C．It shows the good of living in the countryside. |
| D．It is interpreted as an old-fashioned way of life. |
| A．Supportive. | B．Skeptical. | C．Opposed. | D．Unconcerned. |
| A．Cottagecore— a trend of a peaceful life |
| B．Cottagecore—a way to deal with Covid-19 |
| C．Cottagecore—a new lifestyle hard to adopt |
| D．Cottagecore— a necessary experience for the young |
2 . Four of the Coolest Plant Shops in the State of California
Plants have given us comfort during the coronavirus pandemic, so it should come as no surprise that garden stores are more popular than ever. Here is a look at a few of our favorites.
All Time Plants
Location: 1322 Coronado Ave. Ste B, Long Beach, California 90804
All Time Plants is inside the coffee and bottle house. The storefront is now a hybrid coffee house-plant store-home store where visitors can shop for plants and home goods while enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine or beer.
EnCactusar
Location: 3577 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park, California 90065
The COVID-19 pandemic gave artists Jackie and Julio the opportunity to turn their hobby into their own garden center, a small business at their Boyle Heights home. It is a kind of place where staff members will carry your plants out to your car for you while offering care tips. Open Saturdays and Sundays only.
Flyplant
Location: 1801 E 7th St, Los Angeles, California 90021
Flyplant was founded at the height of the pandemic, by Filipina with a passion for helping plant growing. Their shop offers customers plant and pot pairings, plant-themed costumes and gardening tools. Recently, they have added hands-on workshops, where guests can learn how to plant and care for their houseplants.
Folia Collective
Location: 5052 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock, California 90041
Every plant at Folia Collective, from roses to ferns (蕨类植物), comes with a care card written by owner Danae Horst, a famous author in the field of home growing. Staff will ask you questions to help you pick the perfect plant and offer tips. Horst has houseplant gifts and, before the pandemic, hosted book signings and occasional cutting exchanges.
1. What can you do in All Time Plants?| A．Host book signings. | B．Drink some coffee or beer. |
| C．Attend classes to look after plants. | D．Borrow gardening tools. |
| A．All Time Plants. | B．EnCactusar. | C．Flyplant. | D．Folia Collective. |
| A．They were founded during the pandemic. | B．They are open on weekends. |
| C．They are from the same state. | D．They carry plants to your car. |
