After my stint in the Scilly Isles, I hopped a train back to London Town in preparation for the legendary Chelsea Flower Show. I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Eden Project’s garden, which was to become the largest garden in the show’s history. The garden, entitled “Places of Change” was designed, grown, built, and installed with the help of former offender groups and homeless hostels from across England. Many of the individuals helping with the project worked with the Eden Project garden, “The Key,” the year before and the opportunity greatly benefited their lives. It was quite special for me to be a part of such a project, which became so much more than just a pretty garden. After the final judging, the garden won a Silver Flora medal.
While working at Chelsea, I had the unique opportunity of staying in Smith Square near Westminster in the fabulous flat of Mrs. Nancy McLaren. Her late husband was the namesake and benefactor of the scholarship I was awarded, the Martin F. McLaren Scholarship. Staying with Mrs. McLaren was a unique pleasure, and I am forever grateful for her hospitality. Just a few of her generosities included afternoon lapsang souchong tea in her flat, exquisite traditional English dinners at nearby Shephard’s, and two tickets for me and a guest to the fabulous play “War Horse” at the New London Theatre. I will never forget my first trip to London, and I plan on returning as often as possible before leaving the UK.
The Eden Project’s “Places of Change”:
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