Chapter 37: The Secrets of Our Gardens (Part 1

Chapter 37: The Secrets of Our Gardens (Part 1)

(Robert Quick, August 6th, 2011)

The old man’s name was Sid and he set a pace that reminded me of Tai Chi — insidiously easy. We weren’t moving very fast but after only a few steps I was sweating like I’d run a marathon.

Sid chattered happily as we moved through the Gardens, detailing facts and teasing me with what else we could expect.

“The orchards and vegetable gardens are nearest to the House, though a determined person could appear anywhere in the garden if they so desired. Now on the left there is a path that leads to the Topiary Veranda.”

A blue and white checkered tile path lead to a small open space with a few wrought-iron tables and a dozen matching chairs. It was surrounded on three sides by bushes shaped into dragons, unicorns, and less immediately identifiable things.

We moved onward and followed the path up a small rise that led to a wall of foliage about five feet tall, cropped uniformly.

“This is the legendary hedge maze designed by I.T. Haze. No one grows them quite like she does, each one unique and everchanging.”