ANEW FRIEND REMINDED ME THAT EMILY DICKINSON lived “right at the intersection of solitude, poetry, and gardening,” a place that sounds like a happy home to me at this life phase. So before April, which is National Poetry Month, slips away, why don’t we celebrate with poems, a book giveaway, and a look at the incredible herbarium, or volume of pressed plant specimens like the one at left, that Dickinson compiled as a teenager? It’s all right here.
I WATCHED A ZOOM lecture the other day that really put into words a lot of the ways my own deepening understanding of ecology is shaking up the way I practice horticulture—from spring cleanup, right on to the last chore of the active year. The lecturer was Rebecca McMackin, director of horticulture for Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, where she leads the team that manages 85 acres of diverse parkland with a central focus on habitat creation of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows to build soils and support birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
We talked about the dynamic tactics they use and when and why–a whole different approach to spring cleanup, where the life cycles of animals (from insects on up) dictate what happens when, garden maintenance-wise. Like why some things don’t get cut back, and others that are still seed-laden when they do have their seeds collected and set aside, then returned to the spot after whatever cleanup is needed there.
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
Solitude, poetry and gardening….
these are a few of my favourite things!
Welcome, Cheryl. Me, too. :) I suspect there are more of us out there than we know (since those of us who are this way tend to be home gardening, reading, and being quiet, tee hee). See you soon!
Oh so true. A pleasant retreat.
Although not really a poem I am fond of the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts” There are several variations. I also like a poem that I tore out of a magazine.
In the hush of morning she waits for me
And again when night falls quietly
On little birds and rivulets,
On painted daisies in flowery beds,
On wings of stillness she waits for me,
This peaceful princess…tranquility.
Loise Pinkerton Fritz
I’m just getting into poetry but have been into gardening forever. As you say–solitude is an essential part of life too. Thanks for the opportunity to receive the book.
Welcome, Margaret. You did comment to enter over on the book blog — perfect! Nice to meet you, and hear that some of my favorite things are ones you share.