Creating Sanctuary

The annual Philadelphia Flower Show is in full bloom. It is being held outside again, as it was last year when it moved to FDR Park in South Philadelphia because of the COVID pandemic. I won’t be there this year but if the video and photos I’ve seen are any indication it will be a fantastic visit for all.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to attend and it was always memorable. One year, in particular stands out. This was 2019, a little more than one year after my mother had passed away. After nine years of being her caregiver as she battled significant physical challenges as well as growing dementia, I was tired and still trying to regain my life. Some days were so difficult, as anyone who has been a caregiver for an elderly parent or sibling or other vulnerable person can understand.

Gardening has been a passion of mine since I was a young girl and was an instrumental part of my coping with my caregiving responsibilities. I could head to the garden and lose myself in the hours spent planting, weeding, watering and eating. Eating? Yes. There were yummy tomatoes and peppers growing alongside the melons.

 

So it has been no surprise to see an increased interest in the role that gardening can have in positively impacting mental health. Stories and statistics abound on social media, for example. It’s not a new concept but certainly gained more traction in the days of COVID when people’s anxiety increased.

But back in June, 2019 I was personally impacted. One morning I awoke and said, I’m heading into center city Philadelphia to go to the Flower Show. After a quick walk to the train station and a short ride into the city, I arrived. As expected, it was beautiful and the displays were amazing. It was very calming and I felt myself feeling less anxious as I walked around.

Then I saw that there was an author presentation and book signing for a recently released book titled Creating Sanctuary. It was a subject calling my name. I took my place in the audience as author and holistic garden expert, Jessi Bloom, began her talk. It didn’t take long before I knew fate brought me to this location at this time.

She spoke of creating sacred space in the garden, using the powerful gifts of the land to find contentment and well-being. She spoke of plants and their healing qualities and offered proven self-care routines she used to create a “personal oasis of rejuvenation.” I felt like she was speaking only to me and not the large audience. It changed my day and in some ways, my life.

I purchased the book and stood in line for her to sign it, and when it was my turn, I told her about my mother’s passing and thanked her for her words that day that helped me. I don’t think I could adequately convey to her how much she’d helped, but perhaps she knew already how her words and writing could impact someone with joy. I hope so.

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[Creating Sanctuary is published by Timber Press 

and is available online at booksellers and at Timberpress.com]