The sultry hot summer day gives way to dusk...and in a city burgeoning with new places to shop and eat in buildings lit with artificial light and made comfortable with artificially cool air, there lies a park that was once a dream.
After spending so much time indoors today, complaining of the heat and humidity, and longing for the cool Northern breezes of home- my mind wandered to the most beautiful place in Hartsville.
There wasn't much time before dusk, would the gates still be open? Should I just drive on back home with my purchases, tend to the chores and fold laundry? A quick coin-flip of a shiny 2007 penny, and off to Kalmia Gardens I drove. The first gate was closed, my spirits sunk, but the second gate was open.
My car was the only car; I thought I was alone, but a couple talked in the garden arbor area near the fountain. I took the path by the house, and found a new treasure- a young Chinese Parasol Tree, never noticed before.
The path to the pond was soft, and spread with freshly spread mulch. The marvel of the garden, so close to the city yet so natural and untouched, immediately made my decision to stop the best choice of the day. The garden looks even more magical in the waning light, and the smell from the trees and plants seemed somehow deeper.
At last, the pond! The softest grass in the world is in front of this pond, and begs for bare feet...which I am always willing to oblige. The turtles and the minnows swam about, and the insects began their night music. Just me, feet dangling in the water from the dock, just me all alone in the circle of quiet that is the pond at Kalmia. To wish, perchance to dream?
Tonight, I thank you, Miss May Coker. Thank you for dreaming of this public garden, and to the many people who helped create it and continue to maintain it.
It's the best thing about living in Hartsville.
For goodness sake, don't put off a visit to Kalmia. It will restore your soul.
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