I’ve enjoyed gardening all my life. It started when I was a child and would help my Dad plant tomatoes in our small backyard. I saw the care and energy he put into those plants. Usually, the main variety was “Beefsteak.” I noticed his good-natured rivalry with our next-door neighbor, Mr. Bill. They would have a friendly competition of who harvested first or grew the season’s largest tomato. Their friendly banter was their way of sharing their love of gardening. I was also blessed to be exposed to the joy of gardening by both of my Grandmothers. My love of gardening has grown exponentially over the decades. One thing is for sure: gardening is an ever-changing artistic expression.

Garden Party vs. Garden Experience 

As Summer arrived, my husband Jim and I would usually plan a garden party. We would weed, plant, mulch, and water to prepare for the big event. Our guests/friends would often spend most of the party catching up with other guests. They rarely left the patio except for a cursory walk around the garden. Sadly, because of the venue (a party), few, if any, experienced it the way we did. We sit quietly in the “Golden Hour,” watching Blue Jays bathe or Robins tug at worms. We have observed Momma Cardinal sitting on eggs as her mate brings her dinner. We would watch as hummingbirds danced and fed amongst the flowers in our Sacred Space. By sitting quietly, we become part of the scenery.

Hosting a Spiritual Garden Walk

I’ve been divinely inspired to “share” our Sacred Space in the past few years. Not everyone has the time, knowledge, or space to create a garden. This is why Public gardens are so famous; people can enjoy them without doing the work. So, we thought, why not create a garden with rooms and seating areas, invite people into our garden, and let them explore independently? We wouldn’t take them on a tour or tell them when we planted a particular tree. If they had questions, we were there to answer them, but aside from that, let them relax and discover on their own. Then, last year, my idea for a Spiritual Garden Walk was born. I made signs describing the different areas. I painted small plaques explaining the symbolism of some of our hardscapes. Our guests were encouraged to read the signs and explore independently. I invited fourteen ladies, friends of mine and their friends. I asked them to set out into the garden alone initially. The ladies experienced the garden at an entirely new level. What I discovered was strangers sat comfortably with strangers. Flowers, colors, insects, and birds, all of the things we gardeners thrive on, were suddenly seen by those who haven’t been presented with the opportunity to experience them as we gardeners do.

Share, no matter the garden size 

I will be honest; my Spiritual Garden walk was very interactive. I had signs to read, charms to gather, and positive affirmation card decks to explore. Everyone went home with a reminder of the evening walk. But no matter how big or small your Sacred Garden space is, there is always room to share it. Why not invite a friend to enjoy your Sacred Garden space this summer? I would like to end with this quote that I’ll paraphrase;

 

“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a garden alone.”

Blaise Pascal 1623-1662

Ideas to add interest to your garden space

1. Garage/Estate Sales – Find garden seating to re-purpose
2. Garden Hardscape – Pick a theme and add interest, i.e., angels, butterflies, rocks, etc.
3. Play background Music -Adds another layer of interest
4. Invite your guests to explore on their own while you get drinks
5. Encourage photography, and some people don’t like to ask
6. Invite a friend to color, sketch, or paint with you. Be inspired by the garden
7. Include a birdbath and seating nearby