What Our Gardens Reveal About Memory and Meaning
Have you ever thought that your gardener friends are telling stories? As I look at the gardens in the yards throughout my neighborhood and town, I can see a collection of stories being told.
Some garden beds are laid out in strict rows, with flowers rising in ascending heights, all the way up to the azaleas that dot this world. The low growers come first, hugging the ground and wandering around: Ajuga, Bellflowers, Vinca, Lily of the Valley. They offer beautiful color and luscious scent while barely leaving the ground.
Then come the bulbs. Daffodils appear in a stunning range of shapes and colors. Did you know there are at least 32,000 registered varieties of daffodils? Imagine planting each one in your yard. Then there are the irises, with their tall stems and elegant blooms—many of them fragrant, delighting the nose as much as the eye.
Add some Delphiniums or Foxgloves for height and drama, and maybe even a few Hollyhocks. I love those in particular because you can use the blooms to create little dolls with flowing skirts.
And of course, everything must be topped off with azalea bushes. They are gorgeous and come in so many colors. You can choose a theme or mix them all together. Trim them into shape or let them go wild. They delight the eye regardless.
Some gardens, however, are wonderfully chaotic. I pass a home where the entire front yard is a jumble of flowers. There is no order, no coordination. It looks as though a flower cart exploded, scattering seeds everywhere. Yet I find it delightful.
Flowers say, “Welcome. I’m glad you stopped by.” Yes, they require work and attention. You may need to fertilize them, thin them out, or replace the ones the bunnies dig up or the deer nip off. But those are small nuisances compared to the beauty, scent, and joy that flowers bring.
Flowers mark occasions. A wedding would not be the same without the bridal bouquet and pew decorations. A birthday bouquet always brings a smile. And Mother’s Day practically demands flowers—perhaps even an orchid. The beauty of the orchid is that it will continue to grow and rebloom, offering beauty again and again.
Flowers make a statement. They say, “Welcome,” “I love you,” or “I miss you.” They deliver warmth, as though the person just stepped in the door and will stay for a cup of tea. They bring back memories and project us into the future. They tell of our past and accompany us into our future, even to the end.
For more reflections on meaning, memory, and emotional connection, explore Psychology Today and research from Greater Good Science Center.
If you are exploring the stories your own life is telling—or noticing how past experiences shape your present—therapy can help you understand and deepen those connections. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional clarity, healing, and growth.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst