On another of my regular visits to the almshouses at St Cross, I was walking around the pond in the Master's Garden when a lady visitor stopped me and asked if I knew the name of a bush with blue flowers. I told her that although I am not a gardener I am fairly knowledgeable about plants due to my husband being a keen gardener and my dad having been the same.
We had a little chat about the plant: maybe a buddleia or a lace cap hydrangea but could not decide. I was thinking what beautiful hair she had and when our discussion came to a close, I asked if she would let me take her portrait and explained my strangers' project.
I introduced myself and found that her name was Julie. She was a bit surprised at my request and immediately said that she did not like having her photo taken and would not even let her husband take her portrait - but she did agree. I asked Julie to stand in a corner of the walled garden and by a conifer to be a little in the shade from the hot afternoon sun. I took 2 shots.
By then, John, Julie's husband, had come over from where he was taking photos with his iPhone and reiterated what Julie had said about not having her photo taken. He showed me some great shots he had taken of the fountains in the pond.
John said he would like to see the photos of Julie and, to this end, I gave her my card to be in touch.
Julie, recently retired, worked as a Geography Lecturer in Essex and East London. She looks forward to retirement and already works in a clerical capacity for the Harbour Commission.
I remember another stranger in my series telling me that she thought that in addition to the basic requirements in life, we all need 'that extra something which transports us and makes life worth living'. For Julie that something is gardening and she is especially passionate about growing her vegetables.
This was John and Julie's first visit to the almshouses and its gardens and interesting for me to think about them seeing it for the first time as I know it so well. They are staying a few days in the area to visit the Wickham Music Festival which begins today.
As we parted company I asked Julie if she wished she hadn't asked me about that flower and she replied that no, she didn't wish that - good for me to hear!
this + associated photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/150442566@N07/43753686472
