gardening therapy – NANCY WITH THE LAUGHING FACE

October 10, 2018

The Botanical Bounty of Maine

Most people don’t think of gardens when you mention Maine, but this rugged northeast State boasts many botanical surprises: https://extension.umaine.edu/cumberland/blog/2017/03/30/12-great-gardens-to-visit-in-maine/

Color and Form — Trees and Tall Grasses frame a Shimmering Sculpture (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ROAD TRIP

This past Columbus Day weekend I had the pleasure of visiting one of these hidden gems, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Checking out the brilliant fall foliage along the way, my daughter and I took a road trip from Massachusetts, hoping to catch the botanical gardens while still in full autumn glory. We were not disappointed!

succulents and hydrangea — Succulents in Pots with Hydrangea Background (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

A LITTLE HISTORY

According to the CMBG website: “This ambitious project began in 1991 when a group of mid-coast Maine residents founded the grassroots organization. They, and those who worked with them and came after them, shared the belief that northern New England in general, and Maine in particular, were in need of a botanical garden.” “In 1996, after a thorough search for an appropriate site, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens purchased 128 acres of land with 3,600 feet of tidal shore frontage in Boothbay. This was possible due to the unhesitating willingness of founders to use their own homes as collateral.” After 16 years of putting it all together, the gardens officially opened in June of 2007. Today, the site is comprised of 295 acres including tidal shoreland and offering breathtaking views of the coast and woods of Maine.

fairy garden with river — View of the Water from the Fairy House Village (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

GARDENS WITHIN GARDENS

There are many gardens to visit here including the Vayo Meditation Garden, the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses and the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden. There is also a Fairy House Village and a Native Butterfly House to delight children of all ages. Stately Maine pines, oaks, and maples provide a dramatic natural backdrop to the many shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, and annuals planted throughout.

verbena bonariensis — Close-up of Verbena Bonariensis (Photo by Julie Wilkins)

TAKING IT ALL IN

Although many summer flowers had already gone to seed, the varied types of seedheads only added more texture and drama to the spectacular floral vignettes. Some late blooming daisies were just beginning to open their buds while many hydrangeas still sported colorful blue and pink mopheads. Asters, sedum and even some shrub roses were still in flower. The popular annual, verbena bonariensis, planted throughout many areas, provided a lovely purple contrast to the many oranges, yellows, and reds of marigolds, nasturtiums, and sunflowers. In celebration of the season, the entire area was also decorated with gourds and pumpkins of all colors, sizes, and shapes.

pumpkin display — One of many Seasonal Displays (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

COME AGAIN

Since we arrived mid-afternoon our time was limited to a couple of hours of walking, but you can easily spend a leisurely day here, taking a lunch break at the Kitchen Garden Cafe which features produce from local growers as well as their own fresh vegetables and herbs. We will definitely be back to enjoy another day and another season in this extraordinary place!

orange flower — Mexican Sunflower and Purple Fountain Grass (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

For more on the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, visit http://www.mainegardens.org/

August 18, 2018

Welcomed Weeding

How much do I love weeding? Let me count the ways!

For starters, weeding is good exercise. When I’m out in the yard, bending, stooping and pulling at unbidden greenery, I end up getting a pretty good workout. And then there’s all that walking to and fro, covering each area of the yard as I move. The thick layer of mulch that’s applied in the spring keeps most weeds under control but there are always stragglers popping up, especially at the garden’s edge where there’s plenty of light for germination.

There’s a certain satisfaction in weeding, that job-well-done kind of feeling. While working I take heart in knowing that I’m rescuing my beloved perennials from a pack of bullies. As all gardeners come to know, weeds tend to be thugs. They have no respect for their neighbors, usurping valuable moisture and crowding everybody around them. If left to go to seed, they will return again and again, so it’s always best to pick them young if you can.

Another side benefit of weeding is that we get a close-up look at how our gardens are doing. Since you’re already near to the ground you can easily spot any insect or critter damage. You can see which plants are thriving and which may need to be replaced. It’s an opportunity to assess which plants needs dividing or where additional plants could be added to fill in gaps.

Weeding is also meditative work but I find this to be true of gardening in general. When I’m outside working in my garden, I lose myself completely in the act. I forget my troubles and focus only on the here and now, immersed in my precious chunk of real estate and constantly tweaking the garden design in my mind.

When we look upon weeding as a chance to be closer to the natural comings and goings around us, it becomes a gift rather than a chore, and who doesn’t love to feel rewarded with a well cared-for garden after a satisfying day’s work outdoors!

bloom blooming blossom blur — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

DISCLOSURE: From time to time I may use Affiliate Links such as the ones below. I use these only for companies I trust. When you click through on the link and make a purchase from the website, I may make a small commission (at no additional cost to you) which helps me to maintain my website.

The Well-Fed Writer Book Order Page

“Profitable – By Design!” Ebook

July 10, 2018August 13, 2018

Gardening as Therapy

I have always found working in the garden to have a calming effect. Plants are for the most part green, a soothing color which represents renewal, rebirth and hope. Seeing green growth reappear in early spring does indeed fill us with hope of what’s to come and being surrounded by green hues is undeniably soothing. Shade gardens, where there is little other color, can especially evoke a peaceful feeling.

The use of therapeutic gardens supposedly goes back to the ancient Egyptians and examples of gardens being used for healing can be found throughout history. In the middle ages gardens provided medicinal herbs used to treat all manner of physical ailments as well as those of the mind.

Today, “horticultural therapy,” helps those people suffering from loss and grief, those limited by physical disabilities and those living in institutions. A “horticultural therapist” is trained to help people engage in various garden activities as part of their treatment. Working with plants helps people turn their focus away from negative feelings and towards positive ones that create a sense of well-being.

Gardening with children is a wonderful to way to get them outdoors and teach them about the miracle of life. Having them plant fat, easily handled seeds such as sunflowers or beans provides almost immediate satisfaction as the seeds quickly sprout and grow. Even young children can take part in the work of planting and watering, boosting their self-confidence and creating a closeness with the natural world around them. I have fond memories of working in the garden with my own parents, helping pick tomatoes and green beans.

Evidence suggests that working with plants truly helps us stay healthy, both physically and mentally. In the garden, we are connected to all that is good in life. And so it is that I eagerly go outside and embrace my daily dose of gardening therapy.

girl wearing white floral dress beside grass plant at daytime — Photo by Maggie Zhao on Pexels.com