Random reminder

Press, 17 September 1976, Page 18

Random reminder

A NEW START

A youngish middle-aged couple retired to a small country town, determined to create round the large home they had bought a really wonderful and spacious garden. In time it became the chief local attraction and remained so for years. But time gradually took its toll of the shorter lived trees, shrubs and smaller plants and of the gardeners’ capacity to cope. The wife’s failing eyesight made it impossible for her to give much help. As he was something of a philosopher, the husband contended that the garden reached its prime about the same time as they did. “Now we are growing old." he used to say. “the garden can grow old along with us.” So plants died were no longer replaced. Gaps certainly apppeared but somehow were not

very noticeable because he continued his struggle to keep the property tidy. In its way it was still a show place, admittedly past its best. The couple had a Diamond Wedding coming up, to be celebrated in the old home. They were greatly excited because the sons and daughters who lived near were planning to give them the time of their lives. One son whom they had not seen for years was coming from Northland for the event. A letter had come to say his gift would be a great surprise and just what they wanted. What was more, it was written in his own hand, in itself something most unusual. On the morning of the anniversary, the son and his wife arrived in a large station wagon, the contents carefully covered by canvas propped up at the comers. He explained this

was to keep out the dust. Their baggage was very modest considering this couple were so far from home. His parents were rather disapointed to hear these visitors must leave again in the morning because the cows on their Northland farm were starting to calve. As soon as all the guests arrived they were requested to gather round the station wagon, with the elderly parents opposite the back opening. The owner made a speech that would have doubled for an unveiling ceremony, ending with. “Here you are' Something I’ve been planning for a long time. Keep you both occupied, pottering about.” With a flourish he tore off the covering to reveal the contents. A count of the small trees, shrubs of all sizes and a wide range of perennials came to ONE HUNDRED.