The ultimate gardener

Weep not for me when I have gone,

I've lived my life; I've sung my song.

Known tears and laughter, sun and rain

A life that brought more joy than pain.

I've been content with love so deep

That peacefully I'll ever sleep.

A love we've shared with joy untold

That kept me young though I grew old.

I've held my babies in my arms

And felt the thrill of their sweet charms.

Had many friends and family too

That smoothed the way as I passed through.

Weep not for me, when life is done

For I have been the richest one.

Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

Just take a look at the garden and then you will get to know

There are all manner of gardens when you stop to look around

For vegetables and fruit trees and some that are just plain ground

But if you take a good long look you can see a great deal more

You see the secrets hidden behind the gardener’s own front door

The straight neat rows of carrots and parsnips or peas and chive

Show the soul of a gardener whose sole aim is to provide

Whilst the orchards and the fruit crops yielding annual provisions

Speak of planning and foresight and long term ambitions

But the garden full of roses of mixed perfumes and hue

Belongs to the real romantic whose heart is gentle and true

These are the all year gardeners who lovingly nurture their crop

Knowing by instinct when to prune and precisely when to stop

They use all their skills and loving care to keep young buds from harm

So when in full bloom they’ll face the world and display their very own charm

The big and the bold may seem strong but need as much tender care

As the frail and delicate blossoms to display their unique flare

So I ask my family gathered here on this auspicious day

If you don’t agree with all your heart when I sincerely say

How lucky are we that our roots go back beyond the very front door

Of this beautiful, gentle lady who gave us her love and much more.