In honor of March as 'women in history' month, let nostalgia creep into your experiences. Why? For me, it is triggered by the sweet-scent of blooming flowers, a garden activity or sight of prospering plants shared by another gardener. Consequently, while visiting with a cousin, nostalgia crept into our conversation.
It was my cousin’s first visit to the Edible Garden (previously known as The English Garden, Gift and Tea Shop) located near Richmond; but, I am somewhat a frequent visitor. The unique shop provides an opportunity to browse through garden accessories and serves delicious lunches on a patio dining area surrounded by an English style garden.
As we sit outside near the garden space, smelling the sweet-scent of blooming flowers and listening to the hum of visiting bees, nostalgia creeps into our conversation. And, we reminisce of our grandmother’s garden, recalling a time when ----
Petunias, a heritage flower although not as vivid
of color as present-day varieties, were a delightful sweet-scented aroma.
Larkspur - tall spikes of pink, white, blue or
purple – stood guard like wooden soldiers.
Azaleas, the staple of every Southern garden,
announced the arrival of Spring when they
burst forth in a rainbow of color.
Camellias, easily root in the moist acidic
soils of central Virginia, flourished.
English Ivy spread beneath the shade
of giant Magnolia trees.
And, Sweet Peas, a childhood favorite, climbed the railings of Southern
style wrap-around porches.
Reminiscing of our Grandmother’s garden and its delightful English Cottage design style, I describe the contrast of blooming blue Bachelor Buttons against the white of Queen Anne’s Lace blooms combined with multi-colored large-bloom iris. We agree older gardens although not as formal or well-groomed were to a child, a fantasia of color and smell.
To the generation who benefit from this era, we recall the memory of days not too long ago filled with the presence of soft summer breezes, garden fragrances, hum of bees, and the reflection of sun-rays on the wings of butterflies. So, while for some people, the scent of burning hard-wood or fresh baked bread trigger childhood memories, I’m reminded when I see blooming flowers transplanted from the gardens of my mother, grandmother or elderly aunts. I also recall my childhood when I attend garden events in which activities, such as the May pole dance, are recreated or share experiences with a person of the same era; and together, we reminisce.
On that special day when I sat with my cousin, it was the fragrance of blooming flowers which created our nostalgia: a yearning for places that are near and dear to our hearts. For additional eco tips and strategies, visit web site The Wright Scoop.
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