Tucked behind the library, past the last row of books and beyond the back wall, is a quiet garden. It might seem small at first glance, but a few of weekends ago, it opened into something much bigger — a world of whispered secrets, talking plants, buried treasure, and magical names like Moonlit Hollow and Caterpillar Bloom.
As part of our storytelling activity for families and children, we invited library visitors to step into this space, slow down, and really look at what was growing. Lavender, brambles, elder, strawberries, and more — each plant had a story to tell, and our young (and not-so-young!) writers were ready to listen.
Children picked two-word names for their imaginary gardens and then, using prompts, either wrote the story of their garden or drew a picture in response to their exploration.
Some described hidden doors leading to secret lands. Others drew beautiful flowers in bloom. There was a blossoming friendship between a kettle and a scorpion, and caterpillar battles too (but all is well in the end).
“The dog rose could show us a hidden temple, its thorns pointing towards it. It’s the only dog rose that caterpillars can crawl up, perhaps its thorns aren’t actually spikey.”
– from one participant’s story
“In this thistly copse, you have to tread carefully as each footstep brings sharp snaps and rumbling rustles.”
– from another participant’s story
The garden became a place not just of plants, but of possibility.
And now, the stories have taken root in more ways than one.
The children’s garden names have been adopted for the planting plots themselves — little signs will soon appear marking out Caterpillar Bloom, Moonlit Heaven, Thistly Copse, Hidden Orchard, The Garden of History, Leafy Garden, Sunlit Meadow, and Mysterious Garden.
What began as a few scribbled words and drawings is now part of the garden’s growing story.
We loved seeing how quickly imagination took root. If you missed it, don’t worry — we will be running it again on Saturday 16th August 2025 – details to follow.