Fresh Air

“That should do it. Those nasty aphids won’t bother you anymore,” said Wilford as he smoothed the plant’s leaves.

Raised by Lord Sumpton’s gardener after losing his parents. Wilford couldn’t remember a time when he wasn’t surrounded by greenery.

“Hello, my pretty. Time for a pruning,” Wilford said. The gardener believed plants had feelings. He treated them with the same care and respect as he would a human being.

Many in the village thought him daft. Lord Sumpton understood Wilford and his gift, allowing no one to speak ill of him.

“The man can sense things about plants that few can. My mother had the gift as well,” the Lord would say.

Time spent in the garden was like a holiday. The maids often brought him plates due to his absence at the servants’ dinner table.

Years passed, and Lord Sumpton lay dying in his bedroom. “Bring me Wilford, I have a gift for him,” said the Lord.

Wilford entered the room holding a Bouquet of Lord Sumpton’s favorite flowers. “Ah, like a breath of fresh air,” said the man.

Lord Sumpton informed Wilford that he had made arrangements for a small cottage to be built in the gardens.

“The gardens and the cottage are yours for as long as you shall live. No one can send you away,” said the Lord.

Wilford thanked Lord Sumpton, then said, “My Lord, you have been a father to me and so much more. May the angels carry the fragrance of your garden to you in heaven as the wind does on earth.”

“I look forward to seeing you there, my friend. Heaven can always use a gardener with your talents,” said Lord Sumpton.

After the passing of Lord Sumpton, Wilford never returned to the mansion. The gardener felt out of place among the new residents.

Wildford spent his remaining days tending his garden and enjoying his cottage. The house staff stopped by for tea and a chat about days gone by.

Wilford passed away in his eightieth year and was buried in the garden. On calm sunny days, you might hear Wilford talking to the plants as he still tends his garden.

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