Just a short blog today as this weekend has been very full on. Before the pandemic we had for a few years been part of the London Square Open Gardens weekend. Then, during the pandemic, we were unable to welcome people as we had been. This year, however, it all happened. Good weather was promised and so, in beautiful sunshine and a nice hint of warmth, the garden gate was opened and people came down Cardinal Cap Alley to discover the little oasis of calm and greenery that is the Deanery garden. We had a soundscape installation, a harpist, a display of mudlarking finds, a local artist, some poets, a choir, an orchestra, all adding to the experience. I have to say it was lovely – and yet another step towards the restoration of normality.

The poet Dorothy Frances Gurney wrote what has become a much loved poem which played in my mind as the sun shone and the garden looked at its best. Personally, I feel close to God in many environments, not just gardens – but the sentiment is a good one. So enjoy it.

THE Lord God planted a garden
In the first white days of the world,
And He set there an angel warden
In a garment of light enfurled.

So near to the peace of Heaven,
That the hawk might nest with the wren,
For there in the cool of the even
God walked with the first of men.

And I dream that these garden-closes
With their shade and their sun-flecked sod
And their lilies and bowers of roses,
Were laid by the hand of God.

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,–
One is nearer God’s heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.

For He broke it for us in a garden
Under the olive-trees
Where the angel of strength was the warden
And the soul of the world found ease.

God, you planted a good garden, a paradise for your children; your son rose in a good garden, hope for your children; be close to us that we, your children, may flourish. Amen.