This is not my garden. But it could be. I know it like the back of my hand. I have pushed strollers here, watched my kids run through its fountains, come here to read books in the English garden, and feed the fish in the Japanese garden. It is an old friend.
It is a botanical garden given to our city by a naturalist, Mr. Henry Shaw, long ago. It was his own estate to begin with, and has been expanded and carefully, lovingly cared for over the years. It is just a treasure of a place. It is filled with peace and purpose.
There are elderly volunteers with hoes and mulch watching over every rose bush, pond, and fountain.
I come here when I begin to droop in spirit and think nobody seems to care about striving for excellence anymore. When the world seems full of shoddiness somehow. And I always find, along with me, strolling the walks, others who seem to walk more slowly and start to notice the beauty. They lean in close to flowers, they listen to fountain splashing with eyes closed. It is always quiet, with an occasional school group that skips by in their matching neon shirts on the way to the hedge row maze.
I can almost hear a collective sigh of contentment as we all breathe together, unwind, feel the peace. Yes, it is a treasure.
Truly, a treasure indeed! What a beautiful place to breathe in deeply. I think it's very important, especially now in the time we live in, to have a place to retreat to for much needed contemplation. Blessings to you and yours +++
ReplyDeleteA wonderful place indeed, and your photos of both the general views and of the details are exquisite. In general I don't like (read: understand) modern sculpture but in this garden I liked everything.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me feel happier. Thank you.
Hugs and blessings!
How could you ever leave? The cactus looks like a bowl of snakes and the glass poppies touch the sky. I can't think of many places that are quiet or someone isn't going to hassle you. It's a tremendous thing to give something over for so many to enjoy, especially to that extent.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the photos, they transported me there.
P.S. The orange flower looks like an angel's head.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! I love your introduction. It really does seem that you know it well. Beautiful photos too!
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