WHEN THE SOULS WERE HANDED OUT, I was given the one of gardener. This reading from my new book “And I Shall Have Some Peace There,” accompanied by video from my world, explains that I garden because I cannot help myself. You?
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.)
Hi Margaret
Your video is lovely, I only wish I lived closer so I could hear you in person. What a great comparison of meditation and gardening—of course. I cannot imagine surviving without the solace of gardening. I work at a shelter for abused women and am attempting to introduce gardening as a peaceful healing adjunct to the other heaing activities we try to offer to th women and children who stay with us.
When I come homeat the end of a day of listening to painful and hopeful stories it is my garden that most surely reconnects me to nature, definitely a survival strategy for me.
. I have ordered your book and am looking forward o reading it.. I admire your courage. I hope it does very well. Again many thanks for the inspiration and connection.
Liz
Hi Margaret,
I so enjoyed being read too. Thanks so much for the universal realities brought on by the garden. Life, happiness, spiritual growth and death. I’ve learned that the garden is my teacher and without it I don’t grow.
All the best.
@slowhomeliving.
Welcome, Gloria. Will have more podcasts of readings and maybe videos of them coming up. Nice of you to be so kind! See you soon.
I am reading “and I shall have some peace there” and love it. I appreciate your sharing your story so openly with us.
Welcome, Tbrose and thank you. So sweet! Spread the word…tee hee. :)
Hi Margaret,
I found your blog by chance a couple years ago and have looked at it daily ever since.
Then I realized you had written a book by the same title. Bought it! Loved it! So, of course I had to have to next book. Bought it! I got to page 2 and decided to put it down until this weekend when I don’t have to! If you’re working on book #3, I will buy that one too! I haven’t been disappointed yet! I wish I lived closer to you as I would love to come to some of your speaking engagements and your garden tours, but Wisconsin is too far!
Thanks again for being there when I need alittle something!
Terri
Thanks, Margaret.
On New Years eve I walked out of 25 years of corporate life, no plan, no direction, no NOTHING. Just the ache of “when will I ever get to THAT?”
It’s taken 6 months for it to sink in.
Now I am painting my garage ceiling…perhaps to sell the house…for my next mysterious journey.
Just saw your book at library…read it…and wanted to thank you letting me know it will take TIME for me to see where all of this will lead me. My spending habits have done a 180 but I am buying your book for comfort and courage.
I’m NOT crazy, as has been suggested!
Although I enjoy being thought of as a renegade. Thanks again,
Ellen