Savoring A Garden


Early Spring is a wonderful time to savor a garden....

Just as a wine connoisseur relishes that first sip on his tongue, so can we revel in a flower, a scent or even a Sprng breeze. Gardening and wine are very similar - although not essential to life, they enrich the experience and contribute to an overall sense of well being.


Garden lovers know what I am talking about - that exquisite moment of 'stop time' when the wafting fragrance of a single rose-pink blossom captures your attention and lifts you away.

Or when, basking in the warm morning sun, the birdsong is louder than the chatter in your head.


Or that first deep breath you take when stepping outside into the budding green realm where Flora reigns. In short, gardens allow you to delight in the little things of life, to savor the essence of the our natural world... to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.


Other activities can transport us away from the daily hubbub - yoga, reading, running - but only gardens can be shared. And gardeners are only too happy to share their 'dreamtime' with others. Its a gift to be able to say, "Come to my garden and be transported with me."

(Johnsen Landscapes & Pools)

How can an outdoor setting affect us so markedly? The realm of nature is a dynamic world that colors our outlook immeasurably. It is not simply a nice view or a pleasant sound - it is the energetic presence of all that enlivens us.

Garden lovers know this - the trilling of songbirds really does lift our spirits. The quality of
sunlight does affect our outlook. And red really does stimulate!

(Johnsen)

So go out there and align yourself with the spirit of nature outside your door - plant that pot of flowers....spread those nasturtium seeds...prune that smokebush....

and when you do, savor the air around you...it is humming with those subtle flavors of oak, maple and a slight hint of crabapple...

Comments

  1. UnknownApril 13, 2010 at 10:48 AM

    Sitting here at work and after reading that I'm ready to jump in my car and go home and wander the gardens all day. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jan JohnsenApril 13, 2010 at 2:24 PM

    ah so you know the intoxication that I speak of!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Christine B.April 13, 2010 at 5:11 PM

    Still waiting to be transported...the snow hasn't quite melted yet;)

    Christine in Alaska

    ReplyDelete
  4. africanaussieApril 13, 2010 at 8:37 PM

    Loved your post, oh yes, gardens are very addictive, and so good for the soul.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jan JohnsenApril 13, 2010 at 10:03 PM

    what? still snowy? think spring!think green!
    ...gardens are so good for the soul..

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousOctober 18, 2010 at 7:12 PM

    I'm reading this is October and getting ready to plant burbs and anticipating spring. It's a thing of hope and joy... And getting plans drawn up for a garden that is below my deck that overlooks the Hudson River to plant next spring, aplace to welcome birds and honeybees... Can't wait. Cary

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jan JohnsenOctober 24, 2010 at 12:56 PM

    and Cary - don't forget your hummingbirds!

    ReplyDelete

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