True Love In The Garden

Something magical was in the air that beautiful spring morning: something that made the ignoble task of emptying the trash barrels almost a pleasure. I looked around at the glory of the rose garden, probably the most famous section of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and wondered if life could get any better. The blossoms were heavy, birds were singing, squirrels were romping, and over there, coming up the Colonnade, was a beautiful old couple walking arm in arm.

They smiled warmly as they strolled, taking time to point out an especially beautiful blossom here and there. The gentleman, dapper in his tweed jacket, had gently taken a white rose in his hand and pulled it closer to the walk so his sweetheart could partake of the fragrance. They are really beautiful, I thought, as I found myself watching them with envy. So in love

As they arose from the flower, the gentleman spotted me and called out, almost gruffly, “I’ll have you know, young man, that we were married right here in this very garden!” Half startled, I smiled dumbly and gave a weak wave.

Then suddenly, it hit me. These folks were 70, maybe 75 years old – the Botanic Garden was established in 1933-WOW! These people were probably one of the first couples to get married here!

My voice returned to me and I said eagerly, “That’s wonderful! When did you get married?”

The sweet, white-haired woman who had up to this moment remained silent, straightened her back, raised her chin proudly and answered, “Six weeks ago tomorrow!” With a spring in their step, they continued onward through the garden.

A few moments later, the cool air on my tongue reminded me to close my mouth.

Steven L. Chamblee is Education Director for Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, and a contributing editor to Neil Sperry’s GARDENS Magazine. Look for his writing here each month, and for more, subscribe to Neil Sperry’s GARDENS Magazine.

To see what’s happening this month at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, visit www.fwbg.org.