A Walk in the Winter Garden

What could be nicer than a walk
in the Winter Garden of Anglesey Abbey?

Red dogwood, white birch,
scented Mahonia and Daphne,
spikes of spring bulbs in dark earth
and the very first Hellebore blooms.

Nothing could be nicer
unless you do it with a friend
whom you have known forever
but only just met for the first time.

Thank you, Emma,
for taking the time to meet me
when you were so busy
preparing for Christmas craft fairs,

for the sweet winter berry wreath,

for entertaining me with tales of tiny Miss Ps,

and for selling me a Winter Garden necklace
which is the perfect Christmas present
for my mother.