The garden TRAIL

How had Alison been roped into the village event? It was going to be a disaster!

- Diane McKay

It had all started with a chance meeting in the supermarket car park one Saturday. As she was returning her trolley to the bay, Alison had been ambushed by Sarah, the vicar’s wife.

‘Hello dear, I was just thinking of you,’ Sarah began. ‘I walked the dog along the lane last night and I was amazed at your garden. Those daffodils are a picture. You've worked wonders, and in such a short amount of time.’

‘Oh, thank you, but most of the bulbs were already there,’ Alison replied honestly. ‘I really haven't done much.’

‘Nonsense. It didn’t look like that when the Marshalls had it. You hide your light under a bushel. Just look what a difference you've made to the church garden. We old hands did our best, but it was you who suggested the hostas for that dark corner near the bus stop and it looks wonderful now.’

Alison had never found Sarah particularly friendly in the past and felt slightly uneasy. Her fears were confirmed when she was presented with a large leaflet.

‘Now dear, you probably already know that I organise the village garden trail on the first weekend in June, and that I like to pin down all the arrangements well in advance. I do hope I can count on you.

We've lost the Penroses and poor old Harry at Mill Cottage. He’s very willing but it’s really too much for him now.’

‘Well, I'm not sure... I love my garden, but the idea of opening it to the public, that’s quite another matter.’

‘Yours would be the only open garden on Main Street and it would be such a lovely addition. People could look in on you and then head up to us at the vicarage.’

By the time she had left the car park Alison had reluctantly taken a leaflet and agreed to think about it.

Later, Alison discussed the matter with her daughter Clare, who was surprisingly enthusiastic.