Finnegan looked out into the expanse of the Academy garden, adjusting his sunhat, rolling up the sleeves of his work shirt, and grinning wide. This was his pride and glory, something he'd tended to for his forty years working here, and his time at school even before that, as a student apprentice gardener. He cared for all the flowers and trees, as well as his fresh fruit, vegetables, and berries.
Many plants were in full bloom or bearing their fruit now, and it was right about harvest time. The tomatoes had grown particularly enticing, along with the blueberries and strawberries. He had quite a few baskets out for collecting purposes. After that, it'd be the usual watering of all the plants, and perhaps getting some of the sunflowers to put in nice vases in the school and brighten everyone's day. Sunflowers were some of his favorites. Finn didn't have any least favorite plants, but he definitely had his favorites.
Today, he'd extended a little invitation out to one Aubrey Bateman to visit and assist him with a few of the garden tasks. He'd run into her mother and heard about the little munchkin. He'd heard about her from other sources, as well. She was a feisty kid. Finn rather thought he might take her off the elementary school staff's hands for a while, and give her something stimulating to do.
Really, he thought the best jobs to offer small children were ones they could really get involved in, and then ended up rewarded by. Gardening was a wonderful thing. You grew your own food, then you got to eat it, and the taste was made all the sweeter with the knowledge that you provided it for yourself. Not to mention, you got to spend time in the sun, with cool outdoor breeze, birds singing, and beautiful scenery. It was a pleasure all around.
