The Foundation announces that the first book in The Adventures of Katerina series, funded through the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), focuses on rural passages (passaġġi rurali) and carries the thought-provoking title “Deceiving Flowers.”
The book is written by renowned Maltese children’s authors Clare Azzopardi and Leanne Ellul, with illustrations by Sarah Pisani, bringing Katerina’s story vividly to life for young readers.
In this story, Katerina, the Maltese Honey Bee, observes a striking contradiction in the countryside just before the onset of spring. Wildflowers that naturally grow along rural passageways are often intentionally cut and cleared as part of routine human “cleaning.” While this practice appears tidy and well-maintained from a human perspective, for pollinators these same plants represent essential sources of food, shelter, and survival.
Through Katerina’s journey, the story highlights how these wild plants are frequently undervalued precisely because they are free, resilient, and require no maintenance. As a result, they are removed without consideration of their ecological importance. Yet, these native plants play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and reducing the likelihood of invasive alien species taking root. At the same time, they contribute significantly to the natural beauty and character of Malta’s countryside.
The Foundation uses this narrative to underline a broader environmental issue: a tendency to overlook what is naturally abundant and ecologically beneficial, while placing higher value on what is artificial, costly, and resource-intensive.
This irony is further explored in the story through a comparison with decorative planting in urban spaces such as roundabouts. While rural wildflowers are removed, expensive ornamental plants are often introduced in built environments. These require significant maintenance, irrigation, and financial investment, yet provide little to no benefit to pollinators, as they either do not produce nectar or have flower structures that make it difficult for pollinators to access it.
“Deceiving Flowers” challenges this mindset, suggesting that society has, in some ways, adopted a flawed perception, where value is associated with cost rather than ecological contribution. What is free and naturally beneficial is removed, while what is costly but less environmentally sound is celebrated.
In parallel, the Foundation proposes Bye-Laws for Local Councils that encourage the retention and protection of wild vegetation in rural passageways.
Through storytelling, the book not only educates young readers but also inspires a shift in perception, encouraging communities to recognise that true environmental value often lies in what nature already provides freely.
Disclaimer: This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). This project/ publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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