Created by: Jamie Macpherson
Welcome to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens.
Let’s stop for a minute and experience the space around us.
Let’s look first at the colours around us.
The blue sky, the green grass, the reds and yellows in the flowers.
Can you image what they might sound like?
Can you hear the cars driving past?
Maybe there’s a plane overhead?
What do they sound like?
Listen to the low rumbles of their engines. A reminder of the business of the city.
Can you hear the birds? The high calls and sharp chirps?
Can you hear the wind whooshing past your ears?
Let them remind you of the nature thriving between the brick houses and tarmac roads.
Maybe there are bugs nearby, buzzing between flowers and flying through the air.
Can you hear the droning of bees and overflies?
Can you picture the busy worker ants bringing home food?
Can you hear footsteps?
Through the gravel, on the grass, crunching leaves.
Do they belong to you or a nearby stranger?
Perhaps you might hear a siren flying past.
Maybe police, or an ambulance, or a fire truck.
A jarring sound. A reminder of the lives around you.
If you’re lucky enough, you might hear a squirrel chittering away or scampering through the undergrowth.
Maybe one might approach you for food.
What about the people?
Are they laughing, playing, talking?
Maybe a child on a swing set or a couple on a date.
Think about the complex world around you.
Is it peaceful, busy?
Can you find peace in the chaos?
Or perhaps you’re looking for chaos in the peace?
Let’s broaden our attention now, to the bigger picture.
Try to listen to everything at once.
And remind yourself of the city around you.
Thank you for listening the Glasgow Botanic Gardens with me.
