The little girl’s hand rested on the earth in the window box, even though her dad was carrying it. It wasn’t in a proprietorial manner, rather, it suggested her deep desire to care for this new acquisition. The gesture seemed a wish to draw forth the quiescent life from the buried seeds. Expectant delight, and I could almost say, ecstasy, was in the youngster’s face, in harmony with the overall response from the gathered children, each of whom was greatly engaged in the event.

A sunny Saturday afternoon on a bank holiday weekend. Even the bees on the poster were smiling for this aptly named TuamÓg, Buzzing in the Park. The owner of the local garden centre, a benevolent man, had brought a large quantity of window boxes, and they were being awarded as prizes to the children, who participated in the Buzzy Bee Treasure Hunt. He explained wisely that each box already showed some growth, while it also contained, hidden from view, the promise of still unknown possibility. They could submit a photograph of the new growth within the month, and another prize would be won for the winning box.

It was the local Women’s Shed, Cairde Mná, who had organised the gathering, to highlight the Sensory Garden they had developed. Wise women explained with pride how they had mapped out the piece of ground, with the help of willing, local schoolchildren, and how they had received a donation of native Irish trees. Some work had been done already, and they now awaited the Council to build the path that is to weave its way to connect the various, well considered areas. Colour, scents and an aura of respectful quiet will surely draw welcome wildlife; butterflies, bees and who knows what else, such vital custodians of biodiversity, can feel at home.

A neighbour and I met there, both of us interested to hear about the planting of fruit trees. Our apartment complex had been awarded a voucher because of our interest in biodiversity. How to spend the voucher had been the subject of much neighbourly debate, and the idea of fruit trees had emerged. We had taken the first step, voucher in hand, and selected five trees and some current bushes for delivery. The advisor from the garden centre was interested in the species of trees we had chosen and told us how far apart they need to be planted. He was familiar with the area behind our apartments and assured us that there was enough room for all. They will be producing fruit next year, he promised us.

We were feeling some of the children’s delight, pleased that we too were part of action to address climate change. And then we too, were surprised by an unexpected present. Our new benefactor gave us a gift of a black current plant, already endowed with small blossoms. We could plant it with the recently homed red current, white current and (my favourite) raspberries.

I had gone to the park motivated by interest, with a sense of supporting a local initiative. That often-long journey from head to heart had taken a big stride when I noticed the tender touch of the little girl with her prize of the window box. Then, from nowhere, a spontaneous epiphany occurred in my own soul on receiving our unmerited gift. It is never too late to grow young!

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Suzanne Ryder
Western Province