FEELING BETTER IN THE GARDEN

“You feel better being in the garden, don’t you?” said Sammy, smiling.

We were watching Gardeners’ World, a programme that showcases all things garden, and in this case, the Hampton Court Flower Show.

“Yes,” I said, thinking.

I was thinking about how eventually we turn into our parents. And about how being in the garden is probably in my Dad’s top three things in the world, and about how unlikely it would be that I’m now watching Gardeners’ World.

I spent years pushing back against it. Walks out would always involve my Dad giving the Latin name of the roadside blooms, explaining about which conditions are best for so-and-so’s alliums and roses, and stopping to chat with people about dahlias. It was always so embarrassing.

And yet, I don’t think those people were always embarrassed to talk about their gardens. I think they loved it. I think they enjoyed someone who appreciated that very English drive to create splashes of colour and comfort, bulging veg and glistening flora just outside their houses.

And I understand it more these days. We’ve started to grow tomatoes, potatoes, peas, and chillis in our little garden, ourselves. It’s relaxing to see how those little fighters have pushed up through the soil, burst into the sunlight, and are starting to flower and fruit.

She’s right. I do feel better being in the garden. It’s helping me grow. And in our next house, I hope we’ll have good opportunity to create a space that makes us feel amazing.