For all this excitement, the moment at which I could truly say I felt at home in the curiously-named Essex town of South Woodham Ferrers was once I had stepped inside South Woodham Evangelical Church. (Presumably, South Woodham Ferrers Evangelical Church was just too long a title, and it is considerably easier to say "Swec" as most do, rather than "Swfec".) The welcome, kindness and friendship found there has changed things so much for me. It is as though at first I were a plant still potted, enjoying its surroundings but separate from them, and now I have been planted out into the soil here by the church and can now feel part of it all. The vicar, Lindsay, the home group which meets every Tuesday evening to talk and support each other, and my two favourites, my extremely special housemates Barbara & June - all are such genuine, lovely people. Furthermore, there are plenty of folk who love to garden and always say hello when they see me at Hyde Hall.
Last autumn, I started to ponder whether there was anything I could do for the church, and make real use of all the things the RHS has taught me. I'd taken a peek into the back garden before - an open space with a well-kept lawn, but perhaps not an illustration of a biblical garden, lush and filled with birdsong, in which once could listen to God. Within a few weeks, a vision came together in my mind's eye, and a plan put on paper. A wildlife garden appears the perfect balance, peaceful but humming with life, attracting young and older visitors to walk down a meandering lawn. Recognisable and well-loved species, large and small, can be planted informally either side with a gentle colour scheme of calming blues & purples, whites and deep greens. The hope is for these plants to grow tall and form a meadow in the dappled shade of a few trees, low in maintenance and a joy to spend time in. Lawn space will be left for the events and celebrations which take place annually in the church, and I've sought to avoid toxic or thorned species so that children can really explore the garden.
Phil and Rose, who care for the "fabric" of the church and have themselves a most charming garden, have been as much a part of the planning process as I have, and Lindsay has been so enthusiastic. A satisfying part of this plan is the funding of the garden. Living with Barbara & June - whom I actually met in church, my rent is low enough for me to fund it myself. I feel a circle has been completed somewhere. In February, after a little presentation the church members decided to give my proposed garden a yes vote... planting begins in April!
