‘It was such a kind thing to do’: COVID-19 has been brutal but it has brought beauty too

A long-time eastern suburbs’ resident reveals how the lockdown has brought his neighbours together and why it’s touched his heart.

Stephen McAuley with the roses in his garden at his Paddington Home. Picture: John Appleyard

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Stephen McAuley, 76, and Peter Wagner, 87, have lived in the east for half their lives. The couple, who recently celebrated their 55th year together, have been finding the pandemic tough.

Stephen lost his job as a tour guide at the Sydney Opera House and Peter, while in good health, is fragile. The mood at their home has been resolute but also somewhat sombre.

The pair spent their first 40 years in a glorious home on Paddington Street. Today they live in a fairytale cottage just off five ways. The men have called their sweet cottage home for close to a decade and they adore every inch of it.

But in recent years the front garden has grown completely out of control. And the sadness of COVID-19 left the couple even less able to tackle it.

Stephen McAuley with the roses in his garden at his Paddington Home. Picture: John Appleyard

“There were weeds everywhere,” says Stephen, glancing over his shoulder at Peter.

“It was terrible and completely overgrown but we couldn’t get out there to sort it out. Peter, well, he’s not able to get out here and do stuff like that anymore and I couldn’t tackle it either.

“I was just overwhelmed with life and just managing to get the stuff inside the house done …”

The state of their front garden was distressing, but the couple could do nothing but turn a blind eye and shoulder on. That is until one day a stranger knocked. Two in fact.

“I got a knock on the front door and there were two people from the other side of the road standing there. I didn’t know them but they asked if we would like some help with the garden.”

Stephen hesitated. It didn’t seem right. But he pushed that thought away and accepted the offer.

L to R: Peter Wagner and Stephen McAuley at their Paddington Home. Picture: John Appleyard

“At first I thought, ‘Oh no that’s just not fair’ but I stopped because I knew that really we could do with the help. So I told them we would love it.”

Stephen and Peter’s garden was whipped into shape by these two young strangers who have now become friends. The pair, who Stephen will only reveal as a young Irish couple, spent two very long days working.

Weeds were removed, ground was turned over, fertiliser was spread carefully. And now, Stephen and Peter have a country style garden with glorious roses of red, pink and orange.

Roses in the garden of Peter Wagner and Stephen McAuley. Picture: John Appleyard

“It was such a fantastic thing of them to do,” he says, shaking his head with surprise and delight.

“They worked so hard and for no reason but kindness. They didn’t know our names or who we were. They just turned up and did it.

“It has made such a difference to us – practically and emotionally. There are nice stories to come out of Corona.

“It’s amazing that while this whole nightmare is bringing out the worst in some people, it is bringing out the best in many others. This whole experience … It was so lovely for us both.”

The beautiful blooms has brought a sense of cheer to the street and Stephen says residents are constantly stopping to chat and compliment the flowers.

“Everyone’s noticed the difference and commented on it. Everyone loves this garden … it has brought the whole neighbourhood together.

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