The birds, the bees, and the gardeners
Deirdre Bigley
Mr Sunflower and Mrs Bouquet were sitting in the sunlit kitchen of their little cottage at the end of Dandelion Terrace when Mr Sunflower exclaimed: “Why, Mrs Bouquet, you are positively blooming today!”
“Oh,” Mrs Bouquet giggled coquettishly, “Mr Sunflower, you are too kind.”
No more words passed between them. They had been together for a long time. They simply sat back, basking in the warm rays of content that today was going to be a very good day indeed.
The sun shone high in the sky, the air was filled with birdsong, and bees and butterflies drifted lazily from flower to flower. It was a truly glorious morning.
Mr Sunflower could feel his sap rising, and so suggested that the two of them take a stroll later around the Walled Garden.
“The bees are doing it, and the birds are doing it,” he announced rather boldly. “I don’t see why we shouldn’t as well. It is the time of year for planting, after all.”
Mrs Bouquet knew perfectly well that his statement required no reply. Whenever Mr Sunflower got like that, she could feel her own sap beginning to rise too. She thought it was a splendid idea and busied herself preparing a picnic lunch: cucumber and cress sandwiches – Mr Sunflower’s favourite – a flask of warm, milky tea with just a drop or two of hot honey to spice things up a little, and a bottle of elderflower pop for afterwards. Mr Sunflower had always enjoyed a nice drink after a hard day’s gardening.
Mrs Bouquet chose to wear cheerful shades of pink and red, colours she thought might encourage the pollination process. They may have been together for many seasons, but that was no excuse not to make an effort.
Meanwhile, Mr Sunflower disappeared into his potting shed to prepare his tools – or whatever mysterious rituals gentlemen undertook before planting season. Mrs Bouquet had long since stopped asking.
Soon the pair set off arm in arm towards the Walled Garden, greeting everyone they passed with cheerful smiles. Their neighbours remarked how radiant they both looked, though neither admitted the reason for their unusually rosy glow.
As they wandered through the winding paths, they admired the roses in full bloom, paused to listen to the busy bees humming among the lavender, and shared a slice of seed cake beneath the old apple tree.
Eventually they reached a secluded corner beside the fragrant lavender beds. Mr Sunflower slowed his pace, looked around thoughtfully, and declared: “I believe this is the perfect spot for a little germination.”
Mrs Bouquet smiled knowingly. “I thought you might say that.”
And what a glorious afternoon they spent together – rooting, digging, hoeing, weeding, planting, and carefully spreading seeds deep within the rich soil of the lavender beds.
“It’s important we get right down to the roots,” said Mr Sunflower, who had always believed in doing a thorough job.
Mrs Bouquet laughed. “Not too thorough, dear. We must remember to keep our strength up.”
By the time they returned to their cosy little cottage on Dandelion Terrace, they were pleasantly exhausted. As they settled into bed, Mrs Bouquet turned towards her husband with a coy smile. “I do hope we did enough to create a little Posy for next year.”
“I think,” Mr Sunflower smiled, “we certainly gave it our very best shot.”
Both sighed contentedly, turned over, and drifted quickly off to sleep, dreaming of their next happy visit to the Walled Garden.
Deirdre Bigley is a member of Inklings, who meet on Tuesdays at 11am and Wednesdays at 7.30pm, Annebrook Hotel. Visitors are welcome.