MY GARDEN


ALTERNATIVE


Have you ever had the thought pass your mind of an ALTERNATIVE to the way you chose to spend your working life? I certainly have but with no regret feelings as to what I chose (teaching). I know that what I do well is teach and I loved every minute of it. 

I watched a documentary on Beatrix Farrand, a world renown landscape gardener from America. She designed massive areas like the New York Botanical Gardens, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School, a section of the White House for President Wilson. She designed huge projects for John D, Rockefeller, who praised her work greatly.

As much as I have perused gardening and gardens, I had never heard of her! She lived from the 1870's to 1955.

She was a phenomenal woman, doing this job, when it was not the usual thing at all to include women in this field. Not only was she a genius at design, color, placement and selections, but with dynamic PERSEVERANCE to succeed at what she loved. What impressed me so much was her use of native plants in her gardens. This was quite revolutionary in her day.

I found myself getting so excited as I watched her prowess not only with gardens and plant design but her ability to work with people in a gentle (but strong) persuasive manner. 

As I was watching her, I realized how much I would have loved to be a landscape gardener. I knew this over 20 years ago when I took the MasterGardeners course and devoted a lot of time and effort into creating my own garden, wherever I lived. What I did do is not only garden but I studied plants extensively in books, videos, movies and visiting gardens to swoon over, especially in England. It truly is a hobby that successfully 'wormed' it's way into my soul.

I love talking about plants with anyone who is interested. I have also discovered the joy of recognizing most plants on sight in videos and documentaries. THAT is really satisfying.  I feel that any subject that one is interested in, to delve into it and reap the satisfaction as the subject presents itself. If nothing more than your satisfaction!

When I could no longer garden outdoors, I gave away several special gardening books, with the hope that others would find inspiration from them like I had. I have mentioned before I know,  that I focused on houseplants, to my great delight! So with an interest like this, I can always find something to drool over and learn about! I have a few plant books on indoor plants I look through occasionally for the sheer pleasure of being reminded of the sheer BEAUTY that is available to all of us. 

This also goes for NATURE in general. I simply can not get enough of it. I'm so thankful I feel this way and do my best to be participating in it whenever I can. 


The joys of

a GARDEN

makes my heart sing!


BLESSINGS

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