My garden has been a little bit like Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree; simple, symbolic, and—sullen. But with the help of my daughter, and an occasional input from our lawn-care guy, things are looking better. Merriam-Webster defines “Garden” variously; a …”plot of ground where herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables are cultivated (or)…a container (such as a window box) planted with usually a variety of small plants… (or) an open-air eating or drinking place.” My garden only faintly resembles any one of the above. But I do not lose hope.
As I reflect on it, actually the Earth emerged as a garden! You may take Genesis 1-2 literally, or consider the Universe evolving over billions of years. Either way, you pretty much understand that we all started in a garden. My take on this is that God is, first of all, a gardner. You may wonder that since I grew up on a farm (in middle-Georgia), why I’m this inept gardner. One must actually garden, to become a gardner. As I grew up, my dad was in charge of our garden; Planting, cultivating, harvesting, all were his. I was often pressed into weed-control, but that did not translate into understanding the secrets of gardening.
But I digress; a garden by whatever measure, is a wonder, a joy to behold, a blessing. This year for Father’s Day, my daughters gave me a membership to The Atlanta Botanical Garden: as it turns out membership includes scores of other botanical gardens nationwide. Last week I took a friend on my first visit to The Atlanta Botanical Garden, and we strolled more than two miles in this paradise; punctuated by a mid-day lunch in the wonderful onsite restaurant. The experience checked off every point in Webster’s list! The beauty is exquisite!
There were some necessary crafted trails, bridges, and an elevated canopy walk for navigating the Garden; it suggests to me striking similarities to the archetypal “Garden of Eden.” Throughout the world, there are untold numbers of gardens; from extravagant to mundane—each is of significance to its creator(s). It is said the Hellenistic culture called the Hanging Gardens of Babylon one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You and I can only dream of their beauty, but the memory of their uncanny beauty lingers in fact and fiction.
When the wicked Prophet, Balaam discovered God’s favor of the Israelites, his heart was touched, and he reversed the direction of his assault. For only that brief moment, he saw the beauty of the land—gardens, green growing things, and true elements of beauty. As twisted as Balaam’s mentality was, I see his ever-so-brief transformation as a direct manifestation beautiful gardens can bring about.
For a few years, I lived in a small town in South Georgia when the local hospital board decided to beautify its landscape. They designed marvelous small gardens where ambulatory patients could stroll, sit, and view; escaping the dreary confines of a drab hospital room. A wealthy local land owner complained loudly and long that landscaping would be a waste of taxpayers’ money. Fortunately his voice did not carry the day, and the beauty of the gardens won.
The prophet, Amos, told his people that God would deliver them; among the things to expect would be that they would be able to plant gardens. More recently, gardens were favored; during the lean times of WWII, “Victory Gardens” were prominent. They not only boosted morale–by lifting the spirits of citizens; many of whom were not directly involved in the “war effort”—but also they helped the nation save on transportation, food for the military, as well as peripheral benefits.
My gardening skills will improve, albeit slowly. I often turn to our local garden-guru, Walter Reeves and the University of Georgia Extension Service. I am relying on these excellent resources, and the help (and patience) of my daughter; There will also be some sweat, blood, and tears, on my part. Hope is on the horizon!
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2022
As you have noticed by now, we are on the same wave length with this week’s topic of gardens. Al is the gardener in our family — I just cheer him on. My mother had the greenest thumb imaginable, but I did not inherit it. Even when she depended on a walker, she would water as many of her flowers in the yard as the hose would reach. All this to say — I really enjoyed learning more about Biblical references to gardens. I look forward to “Fridays With Willis.” Thank you.
Thank you, Dottie, My grandmother, like your mother, could do miracles in the yard and garden. I’ve often said she could turn green sticks into growing things!.
Willis,
I love this and wait to see pictures of your garden, as you progress in your efforts. Love the idea of the Botanical Garden membership. Your girls are smart to give you such a gift. My favorite gardens are Japanese Gardens.
Just a word of warning. Our daughters have vegetable gardens of sorts, but their dogs love them too, and eat their tomatoes and lettuce before they get any, so take care that your Corgis stay away until you find out if they like fresh vegetables!
Gardening — small or large — is good for the soul. Getting one’s’ hands dirty in God’s dirt relaxes, soothes and reaps — whether a tomato, a flower or dirty fingernails — brings satisfaction of the body, mind, and spirit! ❤️❤️