A Blooming Surprise
When I think of the words "community garden," I typically envision a piece of land divided into sections where individuals work, plant, weed, water, and tend to their own plots. However, recently, I discovered a different kind of community garden, one that goes beyond vegetables and fruits, a place where flowers bloom not just for those who plant them, but for the entire community to enjoy and share.
This beautiful concept was introduced to me by my friend, Marilyn, who mentioned she was heading to the community flower garden to cut and gather blooms. Perplexed, I asked her to explain more. She told me that this garden was planted with the intention of sharing its beauty with everyone. Not only could we admire the flowers, but we were also encouraged to pick them for ourselves. I was immediately intrigued and asked if I could join her.
When I arrived at the garden, I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. While I waited for my friend, I noticed a gentleman in the garden, camera in hand, taking picture after picture. He seemed completely absorbed in the beauty around him. The garden was a burst of colors, with sunflowers towering over smaller blooms, and bees and butterflies flitting from flower to flower. As we entered the garden, we greeted the man, and he kindly informed us that there was a hummingbird on the other side of the sunflowers.
Curious, I asked if the hummingbird was the subject of his photography, and he explained that it was just one of the many things he loved to capture in the garden. His passion for the space was evident, and it struck me how this garden was not just a place for picking flowers, but also a sanctuary for those who found peace in its beauty. After taking his photos, he left without picking a single bloom, content to have captured the garden’s essence through his lens. His gift of the garden were in the images and memories he collected.
As we continued to explore the garden, more people arrived. I noticed a man with his children carefully selecting flowers. It was clear they were picking them for someone special, likely their wife and mother. Watching them choose each bloom with care was heartwarming, and it reminded me of the simple yet profound ways a community can give back to its members.
This community garden, in all its vibrant beauty, is a place of generosity. It gives back to the community in ways that go beyond the physical flowers. It offers moments of peace, opportunities to connect with nature, and a chance to share beauty with others. The flowers, lovingly planted and tended by volunteers, aren’t just flowers; they’re gifts waiting to be shared, symbols of a community that cares for one another.
The experience left me reflecting on the power of a shared garden. In a world that often feels divided, this simple, communal space brings people together. It’s a place where nature’s beauty is both appreciated and shared, and where the act of giving is as natural as the flowers themselves. It’s a reminder that when we share the beauty we cultivate, whether in the form of flowers, time, or kindness, we create something much larger than ourselves.
In a world where we often rush through our days, a blooming surprise in a community garden like this one offers a space to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and connect with our neighbors. It reminds us that nature has a way of bringing people together, offering gifts that go far beyond the tangible. I encourage you to look for one in your area. Whether you take a moment to appreciate the flowers, capture the beauty with a camera, or pick a few blooms to share, you’ll be contributing to the spirit of community.
xoxox….Sheryl
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