I have been absolutely distraught watching what’s happening in Ukraine. None of it makes sense short of my declaring Putin a narcissistic, power-hungry maniac. Between his disrespect for human life and the pandemic creating so much anxiety and discord, I have to get outside to calm my soul.
I am blessed that I also have many events scheduled to present DEVOTION: Diary of an Appalachian Garden across the state. On March 19, I met many friends at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, NC for an author talk and book signing. The real treat was having poet Jason Miller read a poem that he so graciously allowed me to publish in the book.
On March 21, I had my first visit to Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden in Kernersville, NC. Paul Ciener loved horticulture. He toured great gardens around the world, studying the plants and garden styles he encountered. All the while, he dreamed big. His dream was to create a great garden in the heart of the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina. It would be a gift back to the region that had given so much to him.
Since his death in 1998, The Welcome Center, Horticulture Center and garden space on 5 acres have been completed in the Kernersville historic downtown district. It is the only such public garden between Raleigh and Charlotte. When totally completed, it will have more than 25 garden areas including Piedmont Woodland, Japanese, Wetland, Conifer, Greenhouse, Amphitheatre and Children’s Learning Garden. The site is a place of education, beauty and enjoyment for area residents and visitors from all parts of the country.
I was given a fabulous tour by Kristin Henning, Program Officer and Josh Williams, Garden Manager. An awe-inspiring meandering, indeed. Then I led a short presentation about Devotion. What a perfect spring evening.
On March 22, I was welcomed by Jon Roethling, Director of Reynolda Gardens in Winston-Salem, NC to speak in the Lord and Burnham Greenhouse, completed in 1913. Going home has never felt more special!
Gertrude Jekyll wrote in From A Gardener’s Testament: “I hold the firm belief that the purpose of a garden is to give happiness, and repose of mind.” Truer words were never written.