Home » Plants & Animals » New England Gardens » The Gift of peace

The Gift of peace

© Diana Morgan

During World War II, people in Great Britain and the United States planted "Victory" gardens. Gardens for peace. Gardens that were supposed to help the war and achieve peace. Whether or not these gardens actually did anything more than provide fresh vegetables for the owners is debatable. However, the production of victory gardens certainly gave the owners a very real sense of accomplishment and satisfied their need to do something for the war effort.

In light of the events of September 11th, and the terrible national grief we all struggled to overcome, the peace that the process of gardening affords is invaluable. We can begin to heal by plunging our fingers into the fresh virgin soil of this great country of ours and plant the seed that will produce a new living organism.

News stories recently highlighted the use of therapy pets to help the surviving victims of September 11th to work through the depression and grief that event generated. We who garden regularly already know what wonderful therapy our practice can be. Whenever I am dejected, nothing brings back my equanimity quite like getting my hands deep down into some good rich earth.

This holiday season we gardeners can share our expertise with those uninitiated into the society of gardeners. We can encourage others to take advantage of the healing power of gardening by giving the greatest gift of all. The gift of peace. Instead of bringing just a plant as a hostess gift to your next holiday party, take her a fancy pot, seeds, and potting soil. Be sure to include planting instructions and plant care. Or give yourself a gift by volunteering your gardening skills to a non-profit group.

Lately, just such an opportunity fell in my lap when a co-worker asked me to help his church group create a garden for the Alzheimer's wing of an area nursing home. He knew I was a Master Gardener, and desperate for some knowledgeable help, he asked me for my time. The nursing home felt that a "senses" garden would be a wonderful stimulus for their patients. Though their sense of time, place and identity may have deserted them, Alzheimer's victims still retain the senses of sight, smell and touch. I look forward to the challenge of designing a space that combines color, fragrance, and touch into a haven for these memory-deprived patients. This chore brought on a Christmas spirit the warm weather had held at bay. Unbeknownst to him, my co-worker gave me the best present I'll get this holiday season.

The copyright of the article The Gift of peace in New England Gardens is owned by . Permission to republish The Gift of peace in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.