Gardening

A – Peter

I used to spend a lot of time with my grandfather, so when he retired and took up gardening, I automatically joined in. We dig, and plant stuff, and he explains all sorts of interesting things to me. We look at the insects that are good for the garden, and those that are bad. The time I spend with him is much more interesting than the work I do at school, and I learn much more.

B – Mark

I get three long months off in the summer, so I had to get a job or I’d go crazy. I tried everywhere without any luck, until I saw an ad for someone to do some gardening. I knew nothing about gardening, but I needed the money, so I applied. I got the job helping this old guy who knew everything about gardens. He just needed a young pair of legs to do the hard stuff. In exchange, he taught me an enormous amount. I’m starting a university course in agriculture, based on what he taught me.

C – Linda

I live in the centre of a big city at the top of a big block of flats. I had always wanted a garden, but there wasn’t enough space, until I decided to make a roof garden. I used boxes with soil in them and laid out everything beautifully. Within a year I had the most gorgeous garden you could imagine, and what’s more, it was my private garden. I was very happy with what I had achieved. I could sit and enjoy it without being disturbed, which is a luxury. It also keeps my flat cool in the summer, and the perfume from the flowers I have planted drifts into my room. I feel so lucky to have this all to myself.

1) Who helped another person through this activity?

2) Who feels proud of their work?

3) Who took up the activity to continue a relationship?

4) Whose academic future was influenced by this activity?

5) Who is protected from the weather by the results of the activity?

6) Who took up the activity for financial reasons?

7) Who prefers the activity to formal education?