Sunday 12 February 2006. One foot of snow. Reading the papers about all the bad news, and there does seem to be a lot. But there is more good news than bad. It just doesn’t get all the publicity that bad, horror stories do. But I was thinking about Spring, and all the small things that are so nice about Taunton. An old house on North Walker Street restored to beauty that it probably never knew. But done with loving care. That is news! A small garden in Whittenton near church – front yard is all flowers, all annuals but oh so bright and cheerful! That is news. On Ingells Street and High a yard that is always so neat and symmetrical. Again done with care. That is news.
In Raynham on Center Street near school- a bow house, it has a fence and small garden with select flowers – always cheerful and done with loving care. That is news! Bailey’s Park, on Somerset Ave., not a show place but is kept neat and it is a good place just to sit and look over the pond. That’s what a garden should be. Not like an estate garden with lots of gardeners, but a place where people care enough to put in something beautiful for maybe the enjoyment of others. Is that news??
Further up on left Center Street Raynham a beautiful front garden well tended and lots of thoughtful knowledge bestowed on it. It is as noticeable in summer as well as winter. Again, is that news? Look at all the good gardens we have in Taunton, they need not be huge; maybe only one window box – well done – but they can lift your spirits and make you feel good. I get inspired and plan my garden in the winter. Somehow it doesn’t always come out the way I dream – but that doesn’t matter – it is the dreams and plans that matter. The smallest garden can bring a lot of pleasure – and if – someone else admires it and gets pleasure from it that is good. That is news! Good news! And last but not least our own Taunton Green. It is always beautiful Summer, Winter, Spring or Fall. Thanks to our Park Department it is always a showplace and a cheerful inspiration to us all.
