It was supposed to be a quick errand. Just picking up a parcel; returning straight home. But as I made my way home something called out to me. Rays of warmth touched my skin and a gentle breeze carried the scent of the trees my way. Only a few more steps removed from my cosy home.
Without much debate I made a hard left for the park. I needed nature. Absolutely needed it. And it didn't need to even be a grand journey. Just a quick detour through the park to be closer to the trees.
I debated which path to take. The usual one. No, I always go that way. Over the bridge I go then. Now.. to turn to the right? On the verge of committing to it I glanced to my left. The gate. It was open. Hadn't I always promised myself that I would take a look if I ever found myself in the park at a time when that gate was open?
Before my mind had time to form thoughts about it, my feet took me through the gate. It was open. And a public space. And therefore allowed. It still felt forbidden somehow. As if I was about to step on private property; I would be apprehended by someone who would wear an indignant scowl as they escorted me back to where I came from.
I halted my vivid imagination and stepped onward pretending to be quite at ease. Curiosity coursed through my veins. I have lived for over ten years across from this park and not once had I gone beyond the gate. Even though I had known for some time there was such a thing as 'beyond the gate'.
What I found there was out of this world. Indescribable I would almost say, but since I am a writer I feel I must at least attempt it. The trees here reached so high up that only through some leaves here and there it was possible to see the sky. What trees were these, I wondered. Delighted, I found that this part of the park was educational as well as breathtaking, because I found little posts with the name of the tree, plant, bush or flower written on it. I was currently greeted by beech trees. Their trunks notably more smooth than most trees around the neighbourhood.
A little bend led me to a little pond. The Elephant pond. Named so for the elephant that is buried beneath it. There is a story of how and why it got there, but to give you the gift of imaginating it for yourself I shan't reveal it. A heron stood near the bank. I imitated the bird for a moment. Motionlessly taking in the beauty of what was hidden here. I contemplated sitting down for a while on the bench, but my curiosity burnt too bright. This was not the end of my adventure, I knew. More gloriousness was awaiting me. How I knew this I wasn't quite sure, but on I went.
Passing a giant of a cedar tree, I found my way to a big square of sorts. The landscape gardens. Here I meandered on narrow stone pathways through various collections of trees, bushes, flowers and even a bee farm. I didn't know where to look; there was so much to see. Various maples, willows, chestnuts, firs, pines; a Western Hemlock! Even fig trees! With figs on them! Unripe figs, yes, but figs! And if those figs excited me, I'd be in for a treat, because that is not the only edible thing that grows in this secret garden.
There were rhubarb plants and grape vines. I found the cutest little plant called 'mock strawberry plant'. Aptly named indeed, because that was exactly what they looked like. Little red buttons in the color and shape of a strawberry. It was too cute.
Having made my round in the landscape garden I headed towards a place I knew had allotments. Those are visible from the road on the other side, but I never quite knew how one would get there.
I passed the cutest little moss covered cottage, which turned out to be a learning center of sorts. I turned around and saw something that made me laugh with wonder. Actual pear and apple trees! With apples and pears on them! They were still small and unripe and one of the pears had been sampled by a bird I could tell, but oh to be in the presence of actual fruit trees delighted me to no end. I immediately stored this little bit of knowledge away for next spring, because now that I know these trees are here I am determined to view them in their blossomy glory next year.
On my way back to the Elephant pond I came across a ginko tree! Apparently they erupt into sunshiny yellow splendour during autumn, so I will be returning to witness that, thank you very much.
They say curiosity kills cats, but I find it continues to serve me quite well, because once more my curiosity led me to something even more delicious than I could have ever imagined. Around the pond was another pathway to the left this time. The path was neatly lined with logs and I found that so quaint that I followed the path and as I looked up I felt like I wasn't even home anymore. It felt as though I was walking through a forest in some far away land when in reality my home was merely a 5 minute walk away.
In my mind I kept repeating to myself how extraordinary I found all this. I was just going to pick up a parcel. Which turned into a full unplanned exploration adventure in the park across from my home. Such a treat!
When I heard the sound of water I was somewhat beside myself. I had found a brook! The depth of joy I felt in that matched the amount that one must have felt when discovering the first brook ever in the world. Now, I was questioning where this brook came from, because this is a man made park afterall, but the wonder of it all drowned out those unromantic thoughts quite quickly. I felt as if I had stepped into an undiscovered fairy land. I dawdled about there until another person had discovered the undiscovered fairy land for themselves.
I tore myself away from the brook and followed a new path that was lined with red current bushes. Tucked away in a corner I found the most magnificent little heather moorland. It was so silent. Even though I was late to the party, the purple hues were still very present.
The wind was picking up and I felt this was the end of my exploration adventure. I said goodbye to my secret garden and returned home. Feeling light and recharged, just as I knew I would be.
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