Garden of wonders

By Beatrice Hawkins

This week I am going to be a bit philosophical about the garden. I received a beautifully illustrated email this week on the Seven Wonders of the World, and I would like to share it as all seven can be found in a garden. Unfortunately, I will not be able to reproduce the spectacular photos that came with it, but the thought will be there and you will just need to use your imagination!

A class was asked to list the seven wonders of the modern world as they saw them. The majority of the class agreed and the list included man-made structures such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, Empire State Building and the Great Pyramids etc.

One student hesitated and the teacher asked for her list and here it is. The wonders are hers but the applications are mine.

1. To see…Look around and take in the colour, beauty and form of flowers and foliage. Enjoy the sight of the many butterflies, bees and insects that the garden attracts. Watch the lizards as they scuttle around and enjoy the industry of ants. I have recently seen native blue-banded bees as I have enjoyed my morning coffee. They seem to be especially fond of the “black and bloom” salvia.

2. To hear…Stop and listen to the sounds of birds singing, the rustle of wind in trees and the sigh of the breeze in the tall grasses.

3. To smell…Breathe in the fragrance of flowers, the sharp scent of pine needles and fragrance of herbs. I have perennial basil in an area that I walk past frequently and the perfume is a delight to the senses. Similarly, a lemon balm near my mailbox makes collecting the mail a delight even if it is only bills!

4. To taste…Vegetables fresh from the garden.. nothing like it! Fruit and vegetables start to lose nutrients and taste as soon as they are picked, so fresh from the garden has to be the best for your health and for maximum flavour. Who can resist the taste of a freshly picked peach or apricot full of the taste of summer sunshine?

5. To feel…The rough leaves of the aptly named sandpaper vine, the silky softness of the lovely silver grey lamb’s ears leaves or the infinite variety of texture of the bark on trees.

6. To laugh… In delight when something new and unexpected comes out and delights all the senses.

7. To love.. Nothing says love so well as a bouquet of beautiful flowers or a single dandelion flower plucked and presented by a small child. God’s love is seen everywhere in the beauty of the natural world.

Just a reminder from the heart of a gentle soul that the most precious things in life cannot be built or bought by man, but all can be found in a garden.

Don’t forget the bus trip to the Garden Expo in Nambour on 8 July. It is always a really enjoyable and informative day out for anyone interested in gardening. New ideas, plants and products are showcased along with informative talks and demonstrations by many experts.

Also, during Jumpers and Jazz, the Horticultural Society will again be hosting the Garden Extravaganza in St Mary’s Hall. The best morning teas and soup and bread light lunches will once again be available.

The range of garden-related products on display and for sale will be extensive, so come and so plan on joining us for something different during Jumpers and Jazz on Wednesday and Thursday 26 and 27 July.

*This is an old article which is being digitised so our readers have access to our full catalogue.