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Survival – The Garden Shows Us How

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Survival is often anticipated, but not guaranteed.

Survival is the second item on the list we consider enhancing our landscapes. Usually, we consider if we like it or not and wonder how big does it grow. Sometimes we even wonder about water requirements. In today’s world, survival is often not a prerequisite. Understanding the needs of each plant is essential. The new gardener finds this out by trial and error. A little research often keeps the spirit of gardening alive.

The events of late had me a bit worried. Had the plantings at the United States Botanical Gardens had survived the protests? I had to see for myself what the gardens would look like after a few seasons of pandemic and now protests. The survival of one of my favorite places in downtown Washington, DC was of interest to me. I headed down to the United States Botanic Garden.

The black fencing along with the armed military brought tears to my eyes.

Admittedly, I was not prepared emotionally for our current reality. I quickly turned back to the gardens along the side of the United States Botanic Garden. Briefly turning back to capture this photo, the mission of finding beauty had a sense of urgency. There had to be something to distract from the necessary fencing to ensure the survival of our Nation’s Capitol building.

I noticed the plantings around the sign. Looking forward to the planting combinations is always exciting.

NATURE TEACHES US

Creative seasonal plantings serve as lesson plans for the public. These displays set an example that hopefully encourages the public to the garden. Plants are used which withstand extreme heat, drought, and adverse conditions. The surrounding grounds with minimal maintenance demonstrated survival in the garden.

The late-season plantings reflected that in the midst of stressful times, the garden is a survivor.

We are all students of nature. Mother Nature teaches us that we can leave the garden alone sometimes. Did you know that there are beneficial insects underground? These garden friends welcome above-ground protection to ensure their survival. I have found, leaving some tasks undone, encourages visiting the garden even in the midst of winter.

The ornamental grasses and annuals left standing added winter interest. Tolerant of many unanticipated conditions, these plants will prove to be survivors.

Visiting the garden with no tasks in mind is a good thing. Just visiting and pausing can be a form of self-care.

Just visiting and taking a seat to enjoy the beauty is a great mental reset. With your back turned, you will not see the fencing.

MENTAL ESCAPISM IN THE GARDEN

The horticultural displays and plantings present the opportunity for a mental escape. This method of mental escapism in the garden is one of my favorite methods of survival.

From the exterior exhibits, the plants on display, to the planters, for just a moment the world was at peace.

The garden experience teaches us survival. As we have endured this year of unintentional pausing, the garden has been there for us. The garden has created a new generation of survivors. People from all walks of life who have reconnected with the earth.

The garden encourages each of us to embrace a bit of the earth. Our gardens can provide food for our physical health. The garden provides food for our mental health. To garden is to unknowingly sip an elixir provided by the earth. Survival is a seed we plant in our life gardens and water from the goblet of faith. As this seed grows, we learn lessons from the garden which help us become survivors.

Patiently awaiting the doors to reopen and programming to resume.

The garden continues to teach us the art of survival. Has your seed of survival sprouted in the midst of this madness? Have you watered your life garden with a little faith? We must be survivors.

I am a garden survivor. One who is patiently awaiting the Conservatory to reopen.

One thing I know for sure, when it is safe, I will be there.

Teri, Cottage In The Court

Book Review: The Earth In Her Hands…

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Book reviews bring me joy. Especially when they speak my language.

Book reviews are one of my favorite things to do, other than gardening. Especially when they are about gardens, gardening or garden travel. I recently had the opportunity to review a book published by Timber Press. I want to say Thank You to Timber Press for seeing a need and finding the right person to share the message.

The Earth In Her Hands – The Book

The Earth In Her Hands – 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants, beautifully written by Jennifer Jewell. Creator of a popular podcast, Cultivating Place: Conversations on Natural History & the Human Impulse to Garden, Jennifer Jewell’s perspective on approaching this topic was truly on point. Choosing the women for this topic had to be quite the ordeal. Who do you leave out? How do you know you have chosen wisely? Jennifers keen instinct on making this a worthwhile book was unique and well-executed.

The conversation throughout the book embraced women in many different fields of work, all pertaining to horticulture. A diverse collection of women who connect with this earth whether in their communities or in the public space.

The Story

In this book, Jennnifer shares not just their story but who inspires them. This is a big question that should actually lead to another book on this topic. Women are often overlooked or minimized in many fields, even horticulture.

Familiar faces are all through this book from Erin Benzakein (Floret), Peggy Cornett (Monticello) to Renee Shepherd (Renee’s Seeds). There are also some women we need to know like Yolanda Burrell (Pollinate Farm and Garden), Leslie Bennett (Pine House Edible Gardens) and Robin Wall Kimmerer (Center for Native Peoples and The Environment).

Finding joy in making bouquets would inspire a carer for Christin Geall. Such a simple act of self-expression has created a life long way of enjoying what she does.

Filling A Need

The need to inspire young women of all ages to just get outside, garden with a passion and see where that passion leads is important. As I read this book the first time, there was something very obvious. Most of the women in this book had been introduced to the garden at a young age. The impact of connecting to the earth always amazes me. One story and quote sticks in my mind. Marta McDowell (NY Botanical Garden) shared after visiting the Emily Dickenson house. “…A door opened that day, and I stepped through it.”

This quote really spoke to me as a Gardener and a Garden Communicator.

I am on the fourth reading of its book as I investigate the Other Inspiring Women recommended by the interviewees. With Mother’s Day gifting in mind, this is a book worth gifting.