You cant tell thyme from parsley unless its labeled in the shop! And Ill wager youve only seen berries in a jar! grumbled the offended neighbour.
Valentine and William had come to their countryside cottage. Theyd bought it in the autumn and now, with spring in full swing, they meant to set everything right. The house itself was finefit for winter livingbut the garden and outbuildings needed work.
The old orchard had to be tidied. A new bathhouse had already been ordered; it would arrive in a week, and they only needed to pick a spot for it. A shed for laundry, a woodshed, and a pergola would follow. Their children had promised to visit and help.
Its lovely hereso peaceful. We could live here year-round. Were retired now, after all.
Ive checked the cellar. Only the door needs replacing.
And Ive looked over the back veranda. Remember how we talked about a pergola? Its unnecessary. The veranda has a fine old round table and chairsjust needs polishing, and theyll last another century. And the view over the garden! Well take tea there and admire it. The door needs changing, though. Feels like someones been inside while we were away.
Right. Doors first. Well sort the backyard properlyout of sight from the road, but still handsome. In front, well have a lawn and flowerbeds.
There are already perennials coming up. Well see whats wheremaybe transplant a few things. But well leave it be for this summer.
A week later, the bathhouse arrived, and the children came to help. The neighbours grandchildren kept wandering over as the work began.
Have you grandchildren of your own? the neighbour asked.
Oh yes, theyll visit.
Why such a tall fence? Weve always managed without one round here.
Without one? The old one had just rotted away. You didnt mind the mess, but we do. And dont fretweve not taken an inch of your land. Its right on the boundary.
No little gate between us? Theres always been a path.
You mean cutting through our garden? No, thats not happening. The only entrance is from the lane.
But how will the children play? Yours, oursI see youve cut down the apple trees! Mine loved climbing those.
We pruned them, not felled them. And planted new ones. Your lot can climb yours.
New, everythings new with you. And why bushes along our fence?
Bushes along *our* fencefor beauty!
The neighbour kept returning with fresh complaints. Her grandchildren ran wild until the new gate went up.
Youve settled in properly, she remarked. Will you winter here?
Time will tell.
Why lock the gate? The children always played football heresafe and level. The roads full of cars.
My front gardens full of vegetables, not like yours. You cant tell thyme from parsley without a label, and Ill bet youve only seen berries in jam. Best stay friends with me.
The gates closed to keep strangers outand your grandchildren from running riot. Two days ago, they let out our hens, and weve not found half of them.
Youve chickens? So you mean to stay?
We already are.
At the end of August, they celebrated Williams birthday. The family gatheredchildren, grandchildren. The men grilled meat while the women set the veranda table.
Here we are! Came to wish you happy birthday, neighbourly-like. Weve always done so, unasked. And the children knew this morningsaw the preparations. Theyll have fun together.
We didnt invite you. This is a family gathering.
Well, perhaps one day well be like family, she said cheerfully.
Nothing deterred her. Her grandchildren shook the fruit trees, clambered onto the bathhouse roofluckily without injury. Then they started hurling decorative stones into the inflatable pool. The resulting splash sent them scrambling away, shrieking.
Its nearly autumnhigh time you packed the pool away, the neighbour said.
Time you went home.
And miss the feast? The children are starving after all that play. Come, everyonesit down!
The day was spoiled. But another came soon after: Valentine and Williams thirty-fifth anniversary. Their youngest grandson, seven years old, had the sense to lock the gate.
Someone knocked. The family pretended not to hear. The scent of roasting meat and fresh air mingled as the evening cooled.
When do you return to town?
Well see. Autumn first, then winter. Theres the apple harvestthis years crop is splendid. Weve grown fond of this place, neighbour excepted. But shes no real trouble. Weve learned how to manage her.
Laughter rang out.
The guests departed. Valentine and William stayed. Autumn lay ahead, then winter Theyd try it. If it didnt suit, their city flat awaited.
As for the neighbourshe left too. School was starting, and her daughter needed help with the children. William and Valentine breathed a sigh of relief. Heaven sends some odd folk as neighbours
What do you make of it all? Leave your thoughts below.
