St Peters RC Church Hamilton

Go out and about more easily,

Whilst later summer lingers

To offer warmer weather hopefully,

And longer hours of daylight than September.

There are so many places to visit,

Not thinking worldwide, but concentrating upon

Our most glorious British countryside.

Look at the variety of gardens open to us

Courtesy of the National Trust and English Heritage,

Both of which pledge real pleasure,

In landscapes carefully nurtured and cherished.

North, south, east and west pass the test

By which gardens will be those to treasure,

From humble countryside cottages, pretty black and white thatched dwellings,

To the grandeur of a manor house or castle.

There is something to suit everyone’s taste,

But make haste before an autumnal storm,

More than norm, blasts in over the horizon,

Shortening the days in which we can amaze

At the splendour of informal and formal gardens,

Each with their own individuality, a speciality.

For do we not return home, those of us who are ready gardeners,

Inspired to try a new style or colour or feature?

And the good thing is, with God’s graciousness,

More time inside in autumn and winter’s more inclement weather,

We will have ample time to plan and design.

It could even be we produce a garden so fine,

That next summer we stay at home.

We see no necessity to go out and about

For we are surrounded by our own story of glory.

Inspiration should give rise to dedication of effort,

For this is one way in which the Lord God,

Our Creator Father, shares His skill with us,

He always gifts dedication for a good reason.

It is up to us to discover what this is,

And put the finding into practice.

In so doing, some have even become Garden Planners.

What developments there can be from seeds of ideas sown.

Lord, for all the opportunities for us to go out and about our beautiful countryside, so rich in heritage, offering many a splendid house and glorious garden to visit, I praise and thank You. We are blessed indeed.

Amen.