Laced Flowering Cherry

It was raining earlier but despite the dull weather I thought I could see a glimpse of sunshine breaking through the clouds. With a bit of luck, we will be able to drink our iced lemon tea on the table under the parasol. "Hi, Virginia, so lovely to see you!  Hope you found your way - without much trouble.  I thought we might have iced lemon tea at the table with the parasol. Is that all right with you? Do help yourself to some home-made fresh cream scones and the cookies in the jar. Feel free to have a wander, I'll be with you in a short while." 

Later...

"I am so pleased you phoned to say you would come. You look wonderful in your long floating dress, it's very pretty. Silk is it?"..." I thought so! Pink suits you so well. Your sandals are very smart, such an unusual colour but Virginia they look fabulous with your dress! I hope you will excuse me in my casuals but when it is hot and I'm at home, I prefer shorts, vest and sand-shoes. "How is your iced lemon tea?"..."It is so refreshing on a day like today."... "I beg your pardon?"..." Oh, of course, I will take you for a walk around the garden. (I do hope she has something flat to put on her feet. I wouldn't like her to spoil those beautiful sandals.) ... "Sorry, you were saying?"..."  Oh, you thought you could hear music!"

The rustle of leaves, blow so gently in the breeze,

The sun shines down, from high above,
It sends its dappled rays, between the branches and the haze, 

As the limbs sway to and fro,
 And the water from the fountain sprays below.

"I often sit and listen to the sound of my garden.  It is amazing what one hears when one’s mind is

calm. Would you like another biscuit before we go?  They're quite yummy, Please help yourself! I believe you entered the secret garden from the south entrance, last time.  I thought perhaps we could walk by the North Gate from the court-yard. Then we would go immediately into herb garden and later into the rose garden.  Both gardens are quite unique in their own way but the herb garden is full of colour and delights! Would you like to take a look?"..." Good!!

"I'm so glad you have brought some flat shoes with you, I thought you might fall and twist your ankle." Now let me see, cast your eyes to the right and along the walls, we have the most delicious Espalier Pears and Victoria Plums." Apparently, it is a little early for the fruit but there is plenty blossom so hopefully the bees will be busy. Along the borders edge we have the traditional Buxus sempervirens hedging. Can you smell curry? That is Helichrysum Italicum, it has a strong aroma but I love its foliage! In the centre of the garden surrounded by the small hedging we have the usual herbs Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Fennel, Basil and other herbs.  I planted Rocket and Sorrel on the edge here. Don't you just love the radish taste of the Rocket and the lemon taste of the Sorrel? I believe the citrus flavour of the Sorrel improves the taste of the salad. Well I think so!  You will see fennel in other areas of our herbaceous borders too, it blends nicely among other flowers. 

This gate on the right leads to the main garden but I would like you to see this garden first and then the rose garden. If we have time I'll take you into the main area."..."  Yes! As you say, there are indeed, so many different textures and colours. Let us continue round to the other side and you will smell the fragrance of mixed herbs."..." Yes, that is honeysuckle over the arch seat."..." Oh, thank you your so kind,... I do love my garden.  Let us go through this gateway covered with the Hops and continue into the rose garden."... "Yes, they can be made into beer but I doubt if we'll manage to get enough to make our own!"  

"There are some very old roses here, some of which range back to well before we arrived. They were in a poor condition and it is only in the last two years that we have cultivated them to standard  they are today. This one is Gertrude Jekyll, it's small buds look like scrolls which open into large pink rosette shaped flowers and have the sweetest fragrance. It is a climber and a lovely colour cerise pink. You will come across some rose shrubs like it throughout the garden.  The one on your right is Rosa Albertine, This climber like Gertrude Jekyll is much paler pink in comparison with a strong perfume. We have Felipe Kiftsgate which is a very robust rambler and a very prickly rose. Due to its prolific growth the one we have is growing through an old established Japanese Prunus serrulata (Flowering Cherry). It is a spectacular sight to see with its trusses of creamy white flowers cascading down through the branches and a delicate perfume filling the air on a summers evening.. It also means we have flowers from the tree twice a year instead of once in the springtime. The small roses in the centre are Hybrid Tea roses with standard roses in between which are also very pretty. I much prefer the Old English varieties but it is always good to keep up-to-date with the roses on the market."

"I am afraid I have run out of time. I am so sorry!  Perhaps you would  like to come by another time? When we can have a glass of Elderflower water and I'll show you a little more of the garden!"

Listening!!

Some years ago whilst looking for somewhere to park my car in city of Edinburgh I came across a parking space on Albany Street. It was a miserable wet, cold day as I parked up and switched off the engine.  I felt it was a bit of a walk back to Prince's Street but never mind.


As I stepped out from the car something caught my eye from the other side of the road.  Locking  the car door behind me I felt drawn towards a building which looked like a house with a large red door. Despite the dark clouds and the rain, the building facing me was bright as though it was lit up by something from the sky. The large door was open wide and as I ventured forth I felt I was being beckoned to go in. Once inside I felt so calm and peaceful. It was as though everything that had happened to me up until that point, didn't matter anymore.


I followed the passage until I came to another red door which was slightly ajar and pushing against it, the door opened into a large Georgian drawingroom with row upon row of seats. At the front was a a platform and a lectern with a book placed upon it. There were five seats neatly positioned in a line behind it. The room was well lit, with burgundy red velvet curtains draped across large window and hung from the ceiling to the floor. Everything felt calm, a little like walking into a church but with heating. I seemed to be the only one present, Once again I was urged to go inside and sit down and so I followed my intuition.


A short while later the room began to fill with people and they chatted amongst themselves but I sat quietly at the back nearest the wall hoping no-one was aware I was sitting there. Then four of the people from the audience stepped up and took their seats on the platform. I continued sitting as though motionless and looking on, whilst at the same time wondering to myself - why I was actually there.


Then suddenly as if out of the air I heard a voice saying, "You lady, yes you lady, lady in the corner can I come and talk to you?" I sat praying the floor would just swallow me up. The lady wasted no time. She talked of concerns I had, describing situations that had happened the previous day. "You have an appointment tomorrow," she said "which your a little anxious about." Well, she continued, "I am to tell you not to worry, as all will go well" she announced. I was given a description of someone who only I knew about and she described everything about them and very accurately.  Time seemed to stand still,  and when I eventually came back to earth I was all alone and everyone had gone!


I remember leaving the building and glancing up at a white board which caught my attention. It was then I realised it was a Spiritual Church, I thought it odd that I hadn't noticed the board on my way in.
I arrived home and I remembered coming out of the building but I had no recollection of my actual journey home that evening..


Only the words I had been given, did I remember and have never forgot.


Jenni




Please feel free to leave a comment.