What Gardens, and Families, Teach Us About Growth, Care, and Renewal
How many of you have a garden? That could mean a big plot in the backyard or a planter on the windowsill in your kitchen. Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Yours may be indoors or outdoors. The joy of a garden transcends size. It may hold vegetables, flowers, exotic plants, or herbs. The delight of a garden is that you get to choose.
Regardless of the type of garden you enjoy, they all take work. This is the season to begin tending your garden. Our backyard houses a “moon garden,” filled with flowers that bloom white. In the evening, as the moon rises, the white blossoms catch the light. The joy of this sight is deeply satisfying. You would be surprised by how many flowers bloom in white.
The beds in the front of the house are filled with color, while those in the back wait for evening to show off their blooms.
I wonder if life has a similar pattern.
The early part of life is loud and boisterous. The cry of a newborn can shatter the sound barrier at any hour. A toddler’s squeals make you laugh. The thunderous motion of a young child can make your head spin. As children find their voices, you hear the music of independence and protest, followed by conviction and commitment as they move forward with their own lives. Then the cycle begins again as grandchildren enter the world.
The parallels are obvious. A garden and a family both require planning and careful tending in order to thrive. You cannot be rough with the soil or the plants. You must be vigilant to spot a new weed creeping in. During difficult or dry periods, you must pay extra attention and gently feed the tender plants to help them sustain themselves through those times.
A garden is complex and requires careful attention. The time, energy, and expense all come together to give you pleasure and validate the effort you have invested.
Enjoy your garden, big or small.
For more reflections on growth, family life, and emotional development, explore articles on Psychology Today and research from Greater Good Science Center.
If you are tending to your own “inner garden” and seeking support in navigating family dynamics or personal growth, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional resilience, connection, and renewal.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst