Paradise Building

The great Gene Logsdon was of the belief that if people would realize that traveling was overrated, and work on turning the spot where they live into a little paradise, a lot of problems would be solved. He was no doubt inspired by personal experience when he wrote:

"Cultivating a garden is an effective antidote to travelholism because plants are very cunning. Strawberries, peas, muskmelons and sweet corn can sense when you are going on a trip and that’s when they will reach their highest level of eating quality. If you love really good food, you will soon schedule all travel during the winter and then when you get caught in a blizzard you will swear off highways and airports forever."

Besides missing out on delicious food, there are many problems with travel, not least among them the expense involved and the large carbon footprint of cars and planes. And there are many benefits to be gained from staying put and enjoying what a good friend of mine calls "the now-here."

Jessi Bloom writes in Creating Sanctuary, "You can find sanctuary in any patch of land that brings you into proximity with nature--including your own backyard." She advises to begin by making a personalized definition of sanctuary and thinking deeply about what you wish to attain. Then spend time on your spot of land observing it and getting to know its history.

I have a simple wish for my garden: to foster a welcoming place that stimulates the senses and quiets the inner clamor, while providing sustenance for humans and other life forms. This goal is broad and uncomplicated. As Jessi Bloom notes, your intention may be more specific, for example, providing space for meditation, or performing rituals or ceremonies. Goals may vary immensely, but the process of thoughtful observation and introspection is essential for success.

One of my goals is to have lots of grazable foods available in the garden to enhance the experience of visitors whether they are friends stopping by, or dazed teenagers passing time while the wifi is out. I get hungry when I'm working out there and appreciate the ease of snacking on snap peas and asparagus. Berries are the best for grazing, since almost everyone enjoys them, and I've planted as many kinds as I can squeeze in. I love my dwarf Asian pear tree and I don't think a single pear actually made it inside the house this year.

I also love to grow herbs for the express purpose of smelling them. Who can pass by lemon verbena without inhaling the scent of a torn leaf? It's impossible to be depressed or angry when that wonderful lemon drop smell hits your nose. The various monardas need to be sampled regularly as well.

The eyes must have their feast also. I truly believe that colors have the capacity to heal. I don't distinguish between food crops and those grown for color or to attract pollinators, and I try to have color all over the garden. When there is something beautiful to look at, it encourages sitting still and resting your eyes on it, which quiets the mind. There's something very satisfying about looking at color against a backdrop of green; humans have been doing it for no doubt as long as we've been human, searching out bits of color in trees that indicated ripe fruit.

Art has a place in my garden also. I definitely don't have room inside the house, so the outdoors must function as the gallery. Turtles, gnomes, and all sorts of hidden treasures are there for finding, offering color when nothing is blooming. They add a layer of magic to the garden and make it especially welcoming to children.

Adults need welcoming too. A comfortable chair, a bistro table, and a cold drink might possibly be the best antidepressants available. My garden has been saving my sanity for years. Maybe you're looking to create a similar environment. Maybe you need something totally different. Regardless, I hope I've offered some inspiration and ideas to help you on your quest to create your personal paradise.