I’ve been thinking about…
Gardens!
Now is that wondrous time when all the spring work of cleaning up and planting the gardens is behind us, and everything is in full bloom. The collections of colors and conformations are a feast that feeds the soul. The daily stroll around the yard, the moments of just sitting and soaking it in, even the ongoing chores of pruning and watering fuel a peaceful, contented state of mind.
We’ve always sensed that gardening and gardens positively affect our mental health, but there is actually evidence from scientific studies that confirm this. According to the Mayo Clinic, the physical act of gardening lightens moods and lowers levels of stress. Then the results — harvesting produce and admiring the beauty of a thriving flower garden — generate a sense of gratification.
We find that sharing the joy of gardening and gardens is also gratifying. As we invite people into our gardens, they are also soothed by the beauty of Nature. And who better to bring into this special world than children.
As I enjoy my gardens and “grands” this summer, I am thinking a lot about my next children’s book that is about gardens! In the story, the little boy (Jamie!) and his grandmother (Noanie!) visit her gardens in the early morning. The boy, along with our readers, discover the names and nicknames of many beautiful plants.
For example, how fun it would be for a child to learn Lysimachia is also called Creeping Jenny. Children love to name things, particularly things they are passionate about. Think of the child who knows the proper names for all types of dinosaurs, or construction vehicles, or dance moves, or breeds of dogs,cats, horses…. So I was thinking, how special it would be to have a book with names of garden plants that loving reading partners could share with young readers?
As we work together on the next steps, Jo Ann says she is having so much fun capturing the beauty of the plants in “Noanie’s garden.” Her illustrations are breathtaking!
It will be a while more before this book is published. But come next summer, I look forward to the work of “tending and planting” to be behind us, as everyone can savor the beauty of the gardens in our new book.
