A Garden of Lost Words: The Poetry of Leslie Young Correthers

On April 25, 1948, Leslie Young Correthers, American poet & artist, died.

Ah, dear gardeners, the delightful hidden gems of garden literature!

How often do we stumble upon forgotten wonders hidden in the dusty corners of time?

Such is the case of Leslie Young Correthers, a poet and artist whose work has sadly fallen into obscurity.

Yet, his tiny, precious garden poetry books, filled with whimsical verses about plants and nature, remain a testament to his unique talent. Now, these books are essentially tiny little pamphlets. Over his lifetime, Leslie produced about half a dozen or so different volumes. 

I must confess, I have a particular fondness for these diminutive volumes. Their titles alone – These Shady Friends (Trees), Blooming Friends, and More Blooming Friends – evoke a sense of childlike wonder.

Leslie's little garden poetry books are very challenging to find nowadays. I found all my copies on eBay, and I love them. They're so precious and filled with poetry about various garden plants, trees, and nature.

When I discovered that one of my copies had been signed by Reggie, as his friends affectionately called him, I felt a surge of excitement. It was as if a secret garden had opened up before me, revealing a hidden treasure.

So, let us explore the enchanting world of Leslie's poetry.

Consider this delightful ode to Lemon Verbena:

If I were allowed only to grow
One fragrant herb I know I'd choose
Lemon Verbena. Oh yes, my views
Are prejudiced, I'll admit it is so.
But I love the way
She scents my garden
At close of day
On a silver plate,
In a crystal bowl.
A spray of her leaves
Delights my soul.

Can you not feel Leslie's deep affection for this humble plant?

His words paint a vivid picture of the lemon verbena's fragrance and beauty.

Now, let us turn to his mischievous portrayal of the Foxglove:

The fox-glove in the garden
Is very, very sly.
She always looks at the earth below -
Not at the passer-by.
But I will tell her secret,
Known only to birds and trees.
When no one is near
With her spotted lips
She eats the bumble-bees.

This playful verse adds a touch of whimsy to our perception of the foxglove.

It is as if Leslie has uncovered a hidden world within the garden, where plants have their own secret lives and desires.

Finally, there is the ominous Monkshood:

Beware of the Monkshood-
His deep purple cowl
Is a tricky disguise-
He's as wise as an owl.
You may think that he bends his head over to pray -
He doesn't - he brews fearful poisons all day.
He's a wicked magician, by evil obsessed
Don't be tricked by his acting nor how he is dressed.

Here, Leslie introduces a darker element to his garden. The Monkshood, with its "deep purple cowl," is a sinister figure, a reminder that even in the most idyllic of settings, danger can lurk beneath the surface.

It is a shame that Leslie Young Correthers' work has been overlooked. His poetry, with its blend of whimsy, beauty, and a touch of the macabre, offers a unique perspective on the natural world.

Let us hope that his garden of lost words will continue to bloom, delighting readers for future generations.

I hope, dear reader, that you thoroughly enjoyed this tiny sampling of the charming poetry of Leslie Young Correthers.