Maisie the Mole - And the...
Christopher Allen
In the late 1800s at Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild's magnificent Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, a small brown mole named Maisie arrives in the pristine gardens, much to the dismay of Matthew, the dedicated head gardener. Initially viewed as a destructive pest, Maisie's molehills mar the perfectly manicured lawns and formal gardens that Matthew takes such pride in maintaining for the Baron's grand estate.
However, the estate's children—Samuel, Jacob, James, Joseph, John, Peter, Thomas, Ruth, Sara, Mary, and Hannah—are fascinated by the mysterious creature living beneath their feet. Ranging in age from six to ten, these children of the estate staff begin leaving gifts for Maisie and gradually develop a tender friendship with the shy mole. Their natural empathy and curiosity lead them to see beyond the surface damage to discover Maisie's gentle nature.
As Matthew continues his futile attempts to rid the gardens of what he considers a nuisance, he begins to notice remarkable improvements in areas where Maisie has been working. The soil from her molehills proves to be exceptionally rich and dark, perfect for creating superior potting compost. Her extensive tunnel system naturally aerates the heavy clay soil, improving drainage and allowing plant roots to breathe. Most surprisingly, Maisie's presence dramatically reduces garden pests—she hunts grubs, wireworms, and other harmful insects that typically damage plants, while her activities encourage beneficial earthworms to thrive.
The children's persistent advocacy for their friend, combined with Matthew's growing recognition of Maisie's invaluable contributions, gradually transforms the gardener's perspective. When the Prince of Wales visits Waddesdon Manor, he is charmed by both Maisie and the children's devotion to her, giving royal approval to this unusual friendship.
Throughout the changing seasons, Maisie becomes an integral part of the estate community.
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