Letters to garden makers

Dear Monty, I persist in writing to you - I do apologise. There is a time for everything under the sun. I so often miss the timing because my mind is full of scattered thoughts. I think we need time for reflection and observation. It is said that seeing is believing - but sometimes it takes eyes that open to that place beyond our usual level of conciousness in order to see and believe. Today a dragonfly dark and mysterious landed on my head. Its wings clacked as it came to rest on my thinning crown. How awesome to be able to hear its wings, as awesome as the Autumn song of the robin and the scattering of leaves in the low light. Some scatterings. Paul.

Dear Monty, Blue skies How death eats us up These fruitful minds which outstrip our bodies. We think we fly above it Yet it stalks us like a hunter in the shadows. Give me sparrows in the hedge Give me the plaintive Robin And angled light through strap-like leaves. Give me loving kindness as long as I can give it in return. There is the rub. Kindness in the face of knowledge. Stepping down - giving way is so hard to do. We are given so much that is unmerited. Flowers give hoverflies nectar and pollen for their pad-like mouths The flowers on the duvet cover hanging on the line give me sustenance. A pattern against the hedge - over the throne I never sit on. Give me a happy hound with wagging tail Chickens pecking at this year's grapes The last flush of red foliage Dappled and appled. Autumn stalks in and brings mellow melancholy to my heart Oh I wish I was dead to my passions Or at least sleeping peacefully. Paul

Dear Monty, As the debate continues about the hour long GW, I remember why I love this garden. Today it is shrouded in mist and I fall in love with the garden all over again. I love the end of summer stillness, its berries and call for re-definition. I love the last splashes of colour And the re-imagining of its future. New plans for the planting New seeds from friends Inspiration from grander gardens. The coal tip cloister My imagination Inspiration Even on rainy days at The National Botanic Garden of Wales Paul