A Primal Connection

My father had a lifelong dream of owning a farm and finally achieved that goal in his fifties. Cultivating evergreens challenged him physically and mentally, as did his apple orchard.

He learned about organic pest management, watering cycles, insects, root rot and used his science acumen in ways he never thought possible. His understanding of wildlife morphed into a naturalist’s observations and he kept notebooks filled with detailed descriptions and drawings. He became an amateur meteorologist so he could understand chill hours for fruit trees and how that might affect next year’s productivity.

Like many of his neighbors, he tried his hand at maple syrup cultivation, hoping for warm days and cool nights in springtime, sometimes against all odds.

While frustrating at times, growing and nurturing his tree farm seemed to only enhance his sense of humor and he often marveled at how nature could surprise him. From ice storms to tornadoes, his Adirondack farm kept him immersed in the natural world, engaged and fulfilled. Mostly, it deepened his connection to nature and others. His farm kept him physically active and his powers of observation sharp. He learned as much about himself and his relationship to nature on his farm, as he did prepping for the classes he taught.

My father was also fascinated at my prolific banana, star fruit and orange trees, how I could grow herbs in winter, rosemary as a bush, bromeliads and cactus year round. I’ve inherited his love of working in the soil, enjoying the first buds on our flowers and cooking colorful vegetables we have grown.  Aside from the obvious health benefits, there are some hidden ones as well.

Gardens engage our five senses, allow us to burn calories as we toil. Encourage us to handle unexpected challenges and remind us to celebrate small achievements. Gardeners learn a certain kind of patience, even while we are physically working to stay ahead of weeds and drought, pests and weather-related issues. They provide color and bounty in the good years. But mostly, gardens provide a connection to the land, an outlet for nurturing and creativity and a way to cultivate smiles.

Those smiles hold appeal for Kirk Strauchler, a local florist. Last year, he put in extended hours through the night as he and his wife prepared 1,500 dozen roses at his Gulfport and St. Petersburg stores (www.gulfportflower.com) last Valentine’s Day. He says there’s nothing like the smiles he sees when he makes a delivery that is unexpected.  

“The flowers can really brighten someone’s day,” he said. “When we bring flowers to someone who has been sick, you can really see them smile."

Strauchler says he also enjoys helping people express a sentiment by selecting the right arrangement for the occasion. In Victorian times, certain flowers were said to convey specific meanings. And according to iflorist, you can still attach meaning to the flowers and colors you choose. For example, a gardenia means joy, red tulips mean “let’s take a chance”, while a daisy means loyal love and gentleness, and an orchid means magnificence and love. Flower meanings can change within certain contexts, but you can also check out meanings ascribed to some flowers at www.victorianbazaar.com/meanings.htm and decide for yourself.

For Bill O’Grady, supervisor at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, FL., the importance of a garden and connection to living things, offers a kind of therapeutic calm. He’s on to something, as evidenced by a growing body of scientific reports pointing to the physical benefits of flowers and gardening.

“I think a lot of it is very primal,” he said.

O’Grady works in a botanic oasis in the midst of a busy city. Because it is more than 100 years old, the four-acre gardens have well-established lush plants, cascading waterfalls, meandering paths and walkways and singing birds that block out the traditional noises associated with a city.

“Our lives have gotten so hectic,” he said, “that it’s nice to immerse yourself into something natural and something over which you have no control,” he said. “It’s long been my therapy of choice.”  

That’s why we think living well should include fresh flowers and cultivating a garden – even in a window box.