Fronds and Enemies (English Cottage Garden Mysteries ~ Book 5) (The English Cottage Garden Mysteries) by H.Y. Hanna

Author:H.Y. Hanna [Hanna, H.Y.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wisheart Press
Published: 2021-03-27T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Half an hour later, Poppy walked through the majestic arched entrance of the Oxford University Botanic Gardens and sighed with delight at the beautiful grounds stretching out in front of her. She quickly realised, though, that the time she had was nowhere near enough to explore the Garden’s many treasures. She peeked into the Rock Garden, created with sandstone from a local quarry and filled with Mediterranean species, then marvelled at the Gin Border, where plants used to flavour alcohol were grown, before glancing into the Glasshouses, filled with exotic species, and browsing the fascinating beds titled “Plants That Changed the World”, which showcased botanical species that had played crucial roles in providing medicines, food, dyes, fibres, and more, in human civilisations across the globe…

The one place she lingered over was the Herbaceous Border, which was designed to provide a classic example of the traditional English garden, and featured many of the plants found in her own gardens at Hollyhock Cottage. Like her own gardens, too, it wasn’t yet at its best—the herbaceous perennials planted in the border really peaked in the summer months—but it was still a beautifully designed bed to admire. Besides, even without many of the plants being in bloom, there was colour everywhere from the swathes of spring bulbs scattered around the Garden: vibrant crocuses and delicate scilla, and cheerful daffodils mingled with fragrant hyacinths.

Finally, a rumbling tummy and thirsty throat forced Poppy to curb her explorations. She still hadn’t seen the Walled Garden, the Water Garden, the Orchard, or the Herbarium, and she promised herself she would return soon for another visit. Leaving the Botanic Gardens, she wandered back up the High Street towards central Oxford in search of refreshment. This she found in a quaint little café in the Covered Market, a wonderful labyrinth of traditional shops and quirky boutiques, sandwiched alongside cake shops, cookie stalls, bakeries, and restaurants, right in the heart of the university city.

She had a simple but hearty lunch of home-made soup with crusty bread, followed by a pot of tea and a plate of warm, buttery scones. Then—mindful of the time—she hurried back towards the north of the city, where the veterinary clinic was located. She was just about to cross St Giles, one of the main roads leading out of Oxford, when she paused in her tracks. A sign above an office further down the street had caught her eye. It read: “Albrecht & Son | Chartered Accountants”.

Poppy frowned. The name seemed somehow familiar… Then she remembered: Albrecht & Son was the accountancy firm that Martin the pub owner had recommended. I’m here. I might as well pop in and see if I can make an appointment, she thought, heading towards the sign. A few minutes later, she presented herself to the middle-aged woman sitting behind a desk in the dark, wood-panelled reception office.

“Hello,” she said, smiling. “I’m interested in hiring an accountant and I was recommended Mr Albrecht.”

“Well, the elder Mr Albrecht is not taking on any new clients, but you can see the younger Mr Albrecht if you like.

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