St Peters RC Church Hamilton

Bodnant Gardens in summer
Are most luscious and glorious in growth.
Golden grasses wave amidst the flower beds
Of rudbekia, helenium, crocosmia and berberis.
There are stately agapanthus with lilac verbena
And a terrace of roses so spectacular.
Dancing dahlias are offset by penstemon,
Whilst the spring reminder is in heads of allium.
Salvias of silver surround a sparkling fountain
And kniphofia vie with hydrangea for stature.
Fuchsias dangle daintily and, surprisingly
A white spring rhododendron lingers long
As if refusing to admit the season has moved on.
Purple blue eryngium offset similar flowers of aster.
Fluffy flowers decorate the hard edges of pathways,
With displays of lilies to fill in the crevices.
The view of the mountains beyond is jaw dropping,
Supreme in majesty of grandeur and splendour.
Back to the gardens, admiring the planting,
Stunning around the pond with orange Californian poppies.
Aged trees broad of girth offer shaded welcome from August sunshine,
Whilst firs of darker green stand supreme,
As if queen of all they survey and would proudly display.
Looking far and wide I spied trees of many other shades of green.
Green is its own colour in olive, bottle, pea, forest, sage,
Lime, grass, some almost bronze, others not far away are chestnut.
It makes me wonder about Bodnant splendour in October.
I must remember to come and visit the orchard in particular.
But for now the colours on show are in the flower borders,
An order of glory, a professional gardener’s story.
How zealous their work, a labour of love.
Where it seems they like to share their delight.
What kindness is offered us as we see and explore.
One thing is for sure, Bodnant requires more than one visit.
I think my aim will be to come in each of the four seasons.
The reason? To find something of beauty to proclaim of our Creator.
But for now, what has been best today in the summer display?
Really I am so spoilt for choice,
It is hard to give voice adequately.
Suffice perhaps to say God’s way is outstanding
Certainly here in this delightful garden, there is something of joy in everything.

Lord, Bodnant Gardens in their summer display is outstanding. Thank You for the joy. Amen.

02.08.17