in an english country garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

the miracle of growing things

Despite the recent and continuing heat-wave the Children's Eco-Garden at our church remains in fine shape.

Sustained by regular watering, coupled with an increasingly sophisticated series of eco-friendly pest-control methods, the plant-life has been kept alive. 

And now the garden is starting to flourish. The sunflowers are out, a cucumber is growing and a fledgling tomato has been spotted (and eaten) by a small boy!

Ah, the miracle of growing things, be they plants or children!

fading glory

Dear Sheddists,

when we first moved to Birmingham the Botanical Gardens were one of our very favourite places to visit.  They offered a refuge from the mad busyness of everyday life, a tranquil place in which to draw breath.

Over the years the Botanical Gardens have played a key role in many significant life-events. Our disabled son took early steps to walk on the lawn leading down to the Bandstand, work events were a regular fixture in the Conference Rooms and the Gardens were a place we shared many happy memories with friends as our families grew.

We went back to visit earlier this week and left feeling sad. Everything appeared in a state of neglect and disrepair - borders choked with weeds and unchecked perennials, water-features turned off and drained and the treasured Bandstand with peeling paint.

How sad to witness the fading glory of such an iconic site.