Letters to garden makers

Dear reader and Monty, It is good to see that the value of being in nature is being recognised in the realms of health care. That there is movement toward acknowledging our intimate link to everything that exists. I gave thanks today that I am able to step out into a garden, that the shapes and colours that are there create a space that speaks to my innermost being. I love the evocative smell of Autumn - the fruitiness - the musky mustiness of berries overipening in the sun, of the smell of leaves when they fall and begin to decay - of pine needles and damp soil. I feel truly connected to a great benevolence. Paul

It has been a long time since I tapped words into this machine - I had thought that it was time to stop because I am just repeating myself. But like the grapes, it has been a time of fermenting in the sun. This 58th year of life's journey has been one of reflection on our vulnerability and realising the only wrath in this world is of our/my own making. I can choose to be angry and unconscious of my own ego and weaknesses or I can become aware - acknowledge them and choose to deal with the negativity. The only wrath around here is what comes from within myself - it is far better to give way to peace. The garden acts as a place for contemplation - the walled space created by the mixed hedges has become for me a place to heal the soul. That may sound glib but I'm afraid it works for me. Autumn is a melancholic month, leaves leaving the trees, fruity scents and robin song all speak of gathering in - preparing for the colder months. The colour in this gar...