Read by Michael Flamel

Every Spring, Lydia eagerly anticipated her favorite gardening ritual: starting her marigold seeds. In late March, she would gather 10 small pots and fill them with a fragrant mix of soil and compost. She loved pressing the soft, damp soil with her fingers and making a small hole in each pot. Lydia always planted two or three seeds in each hole, knowing that not all would sprout. She dreaded the task of thinning the seedlings, finding it hard to choose which little shoots had to go.

As she worked, she felt a deep sense of connection to the earth. The smell of the compost, the texture of the soil, and the promise of new life filled her with joy. Each seed she planted held the potential to grow into a vibrant marigold, bringing color and beauty to her garden. But the thought of snipping out the extra seedlings weighed heavily on her heart.

This year, Lydia found herself unable to thin out the extras. She carefully repotted every single sprout, ending up with 28 healthy marigold starts. Her small garden could only accommodate 10, leaving her with 18 extras. Determined to find good homes for them, Lydia began her “Marigold Mission,” giving plants to friends, neighbors, and even the local kids running a lemonade stand.

Despite her efforts, Lydia was left with three marigold plants with no place to go. She thought of Mrs. Granger, an elderly lady she used to garden for. Mrs. Granger’s garden was a beloved patchwork of plants gifted by friends and family over the years. Lydia remembered her fondness for marigolds and decided to visit her the next day.

The following morning, Lydia walked to Mrs. Granger’s house with the three remaining marigold plants. She knocked on the door but received no answer. Knowing Mrs. Granger loved her garden, Lydia left the plants on the front porch with a small note explaining they were from her garden. Lydia intended to call Mrs. Granger later, but the day got away from her, and she forgot.

Two days later, Lydia received a call from Mrs. Granger. “Lydia, were you the one who left those beautiful marigold plants on my porch?” she asked.

Lydia apologized for not calling sooner. Mrs. Granger chuckled softly. “No need to apologize, dear. You have no idea how much those plants meant to me. I had just returned from visiting my sister’s grave. Marigolds were her favorite, and she always planted them in her garden. Seeing those marigold plants on my porch felt like a message from her, a way of reminding me of our special bond.”

Lydia was touched by the coincidence. After the call, she went out to tend her own garden, thinking about the joy her extra seedlings had brought to Mrs. Granger. Each time she cared for her marigolds, she felt a sense of connection, knowing that sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness could touch hearts in profound ways.

As the marigolds blossomed, Lydia realized that gardening was not just about growing plants but also about nurturing relationships and spreading happiness. The extra marigold plants had created a ripple of joy, reminding her that the beauty of a garden extends far beyond its borders, touching lives in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Lydia’s garden flourished that year, each marigold a bright spot in her little patch of earth. She spent hours tending to her plants, watering, weeding, and watching them grow. Every time she saw the vibrant yellow and orange flowers, she thought of Mrs. Granger and the connection they shared through the simple gift of marigold plants.

The act of giving those plants had been a small gesture, but its impact was profound. Lydia felt a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that her love for gardening had brought comfort and joy to someone else. It made her realize that her garden was not just a personal sanctuary but a place where she could cultivate connections with others.

One sunny afternoon, as Lydia was watering her garden, she saw Mrs. Granger walking down the street. She waved and called out, inviting her to come and see the marigolds. Mrs. Granger smiled and made her way over, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the blooming flowers.

“They’re beautiful, Lydia,” Mrs. Granger said, admiring the marigolds. “Thank you again for the plants. They brought back so many wonderful memories of my sister.”

Lydia nodded, feeling a warm glow of happiness. “I’m glad they brought you some comfort,” she said. “Gardening has always been a way for me to feel connected to the people I love. It’s nice to know that these marigolds did the same for you.”

As they stood together in the garden, Lydia and Mrs. Granger talked about their favorite flowers, sharing stories and memories. The marigolds had become a symbol of their connection, a reminder that small acts of kindness could create lasting bonds.

The season continued, and Lydia’s garden thrived. She gave away more plants, each one a little piece of her heart, shared with friends and neighbors. Her “Marigold Mission” expanded to include other flowers and vegetables, spreading beauty and joy throughout her community.

Lydia’s garden became a place where people gathered, drawn by the vibrant colors and the sense of warmth that radiated from every plant. It was more than just a garden; it was a living testament to the power of kindness and connection.

As the marigolds continued to bloom, Lydia knew that her garden would always be a place of love and connection. Each flower was a reminder of the joy that could be found in simple acts of giving, and the bonds that could be formed through a shared love of nature.

The garden was a testament to the beauty of life and the ways in which we can touch each other’s hearts, even through the smallest gestures. Lydia’s marigolds had brought joy to her own life and to the lives of those around her, in ways she could never have imagined. ❖

About the Author: Faiza Api is an avid gardener and storyteller, weaving tales of nature’s beauty and the simple joys of life.