The dogs trotted alongside us as we meandered back a different way so I could show Seb the village and the little nursery my parents frequented much of the time. The owner smiled and waved as we came in.
‘They OK with dogs in here?’ Seb asked, hesitating.
‘Yep. Totally dog friendly. Even the café. It’s great. Their plants are brilliant too. Really strong and healthy. God, I wish I had a garden,’ I said, rubbing the soft furry leaf of a stachys between my thumb and forefinger. ‘Feel that. Isn’t it gorgeous?’
Seb did as I asked. ‘Fuzzy. Feels a bit like when I fiddle with Scoobs’ ears.’
‘Exactly. Isn’t it lovely? Its common name is Lambs’ Ears.’
He nodded. ‘Makes sense. It’s pretty.’
We walked on for a few moments as I stroked, rubbed and sniffed various plants. Seb had taken Humph’s lead from me, leaving me free to poke about.
‘Did you have a garden before?’ he asked.
I glanced up at him. ‘With my ex?’
He gave a short nod.
‘Yes. Just a small one, but I loved it. I’d made it beautiful. Does that sound a bit arrogant?’
‘Nope. I’m sure you did. Nothing wrong with acknowledging that.’
‘I used to spend time out there every day, even if it was raining. Just a few minutes. It was my happy place. If I’d had a bad day, just being out there amongst all the plants and greenery could lift my spirits so much. They should prescribe gardening on the NHS.’
‘There are a few schemes that are doing things like that. Not many at the moment, but we’ve managed to get a few of our vets into some and, without exception, they’ve all thrived.’
I smiled up at him. ‘That’s amazing!’
‘Yeah, it’s been great. Funding, as always, is the thing, but it’s definitely an area I’m looking into more.’
I smiled.
‘And in the meantime, we really need to get you a garden. You’ve been buzzing ever since you stepped in here.’
‘It’s another of my happy places.’
‘Clearly.’ He said, giving me that sunshine smile again.
‘Lottie!’ The owner had now finished serving and came across to say hello. ‘How are you, my dear?’
‘Fine thanks, George. How are you and Margot?’
‘Good! Good! Ramping up for spring.’
‘It’s good to hear you’re busy. I’m sure Mum and Dad will be in here again soon.’
‘Oh, they’ve already been in stocking up on things. You just visiting or can I tempt you into something?’
‘Oh George, you know I don’t need much tempting, but I’ve already overfilled my allotted two-paving-slab space with pots at the flat, unfortunately.’
‘Aah, never mind. Another time. And what about you, sir?’ George looked up at Seb.
‘Oh, I’m not much of a gardener, unfortunately.’
‘We can soon change that!’ George laughed good naturedly.
I glanced at my phone to check the time. ‘We’d better be getting back actually. Thanks, George. Love to Margot.’
