This account by Lena was written in 1963, very soon after Divina had discovered that she could communicate with the devas.
“The story of the garden itself is remarkable, and shows how belief in God’s readiness to help in all practical things of life brings into manifestation all our needs. Of course, we have to go into action and grasp the opportunities He opens for us. We could have been negative and said the soil was useless for anything (as indeed it was) consisting of lifeless sand and gravel, but our aim was to grow strong, healthy plants, so instead very much hard work and positive thought went into all we did and amazingly the garden took shape and God’s hand was very much in evidence. There was very little money available, therefore we could not buy the material required. This proved a good thing, for everything became gifted to us and the strange thing we noticed was that as one source of supply ran out, another immediately opened up for us!
“To begin with, a wooden interwoven slatted fence was erected and inside this, a concrete square with a small patch for radishes and lettuces was planned and a patio where we could sit in the sun in privacy, have our times of quiet with God and also enjoy our meals. One day a neighbour informed us that a large quantity of slightly damaged cement had been dumped just across the road from us. This indeed was a windfall, as the cement proved to be in almost perfect condition and we were able to salvage enough for our patio and the concrete areas and paths. At this time also, another dump of rotted grass was found nearby and this was the beginning of our new soil.
“A friend who owns a riding stable offered a quantity of horse manure in repayment for help given in previous years. When this source ran out Peter went to collect a load of straw to start a compost heap. He gave a lift to an acquaintance who said he had just put his three horses in a nearby field and we were welcome to collect their manure. No second offer was needed. Armed with buckets and shovels, the field was invaded and bucketfuls of manure were carried away under the enquiring gaze of the passers-by!
“Seaweed was gathered from the beach; it had to be cut off rocks and collecting it was hard work. The distillery nearby supplied peat dross and cummings, which is the barley germ and a potent fertiliser. By this time one or two of the plots were completed and with great interest we watched the first of the radishes, lettuces, etc. growing. Wireworms then attacked the young lettuces, but a neighbour looking round the garden suggested we use soot to kill them off. That day we came across a dump containing mature soot, which is not only good for the soil but an excellent fertiliser.
“One evening Peter was walking in an adjoining field, when he noticed a sheep that had been caught in a fence and was hanging upside down, and obviously had been in this condition for quite some time. He released the sheep and notified the farmer, who thought he might have to destroy the poor creature. A few days later, he again met the farmer, who said the sheep had recovered and as a token of gratitude he offered a load of manure, to be delivered by him. Here then was the manure we required to complete the garden and compost heaps, which are intended to feed the ground and steadily improve its fertility. All the materials that went into their making was given to us in the most amazing way.
“Grass cuttings were delivered by the load; a shop gave old potatoes and vegetables which could not be sold; and a lorry-load was dumped again across the road. We needed straw for covering for the compost heaps, and that same evening a neighbour brought us a bale he had found by the roadside. This same neighbour had bought a large quantity of wood from dismantled garages, and in exchange for some help in dismantling them, invited us to help ourselves to anything we might need. Here then was a plentiful supply of wood needed for fences, frames, edges to paths, etc. and included was sufficient wire netting to go round the gardens to keep rabbits out.
“In all this vigorous growth and productivity of the garden, it is only right to mention the help given by the devas. This is something new, so new that I will only mention it and no more. Co-operation with these beings is to be part of all plant growth in the New World and one group member – Divina – is now touching in on it. I can only say it opens up a completely new vista of life, but again it is part of the Oneness which is all God’s life. “
Findhorn Garden Parts 1-4 – Man’s Part page 16+17
We thank the Findhorn Foundation for the permission to offer this document from their Archive on our website.
Born on Skye, lived in Glasgow where she met Peter when he rented a room from her family. Brought up her family, spiritual work, member of staff – Cluny Hill and Trossachs Hotels, worked for Joanie Hartnell-Beavis and Captain and Mrs Gibson at Cullerne House – housekeeping, cookery.
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