Unit 2 A life’s work

Using language

2 Listen to the story of Ruth Bancroft and complete the sentences with predicative clauses. Listen again if necessary.

In Walnut Creek, California, where it is often hot and humid, there is a unique garden. It is unique for two main reasons. One is that it comprises an array of plants adapted to dry conditions.' The other—and the more important—is that it is the life's work of only one woman: Ruth Bancroft. In the 1950s, Ruth became fascinated with drought-resistant plants, and those with thick fleshy leaves became what she was most interested in. Although Walnut Creek was not where they grew naturally, through much trial and error, Ruth managed to grow these " dry" plants. It seemed as though nothing would ever stop her from continuing this work. She once lost almost half of her collection after a cold winter. Instead of giving up, she simply planted new ones and continued to care for her garden. Her garden opened to the public in the early 1990s, and has become one beloved site for tourists today. Tons of their five-star reviews prove how much visitors admire her garden. What began as a home garden has resulted in a valuable resource for gardeners and a joy for visitors—all thanks to a lifetime of passion, devotion and endeavour.