A Celebration and Appreciation of Gardens
by Lucille LePage
words delivered on August 2, 2020 at Gloucester UU Church online Sunday service
Before we begin our celebration of gardens, I should explain that I’m defining gardens a bit broadly this morning. Of course, the focus will be on your wonderful flower and vegetable gardens that we get to admire in the slide show images. But most of today’s words will include any meaningful outdoor spot that is beautiful and healthy, and offers the kinds of gifts – such as delight, refreshment, and nurturing – that gardens can give us.
For some of you, this might be a place by the sea, in the woods, or on the open water or elsewhere between earth and sky, rather than in a garden. We’ll be celebrating whatever spot is special to you.
Now, instead of hearing opening words, why don’t we just spend a little time in that garden or other outdoor space that you love.
You might actually be physically there right now, or at least able to see it through an open window. The rest of us can go to our gardens in our imaginations.
While we’re at it, let’s visualize that outdoor space at a moment when it’s at its best. I’m thinking of a glorious morning after an overnight rain shower. Imagine whatever conditions make your space perfect to you.
So, let’s step through the garden gate or along the path to your refuge. You can bring your coffee with you. And at the moment, at least in the imaginary gardens, the mosquitoes are not biting. For now, everything is in its full, benevolent glory. Let’s get settled, breathe, open all our senses, and take in as much of it as we can. And there is a lot to take in: the extravagant colors; shapes and textures, and graceful lines; so much fresh green; sparkling sunshine or dancing, patterned shade. The rich fragrances of earth, leaf, blossom, air. The music of birds, rustling leaves– the silence. Let’s bask in the soft warmth of the sun or be refreshed by a cooling breeze. (Maybe even include our taste buds, looking forward to the flavor of the cucumbers, the tomatoes, the blackberries… ) And let’s be sure to revel in the special glories that are particular to each of our own unique spaces.
It’s so good to spend time in a place like this even imaginatively, savoring the delights and gathering them in. So much better to be actually out there in wonderful places when we can. And the more attention we pay when we are there in person, the better we’ll be able to imagine our places when we need to.
This is certainly a glorious time of year in our gardens. There is no better time than now to do the important work of being really present, and celebrating the gift that they are to us. And I do think it’s important to remember that: our gardens are a gift, not a given. Like all good gifts, they need to be accepted, enjoyed, appreciated. They must not be taken for granted. They do not just happen.
Instead, each one is an astonishing sum of countless other gifts, starting with the fertile earth that is literally our planet’s upper crust; the sun, miraculously just the right distance away; nurturing rain; the right seeds and seedlings; all the pollinators; even the earthworms… Thank goodness for all of these, and more!
And of course, the gardens wouldn’t exist without you, the gardeners – you who re-envision and re-arrange those other ingredients, into a one-of-a-kind new wonder. You do it with a lot of work and aggravation: dust, mud, backaches, pests, weeds, thorns, slugs, sweat, discouragement, waiting, and, yes, those mosquitoes. Thank goodness for you and your work, making good things blossom – not just in your garden but anywhere!
Before we move on, may I suggest one more thought. The gift of beautiful, natural places is important for every person; yet not everyone is able to access that gift. Everyone needs safe places in nature, to restore body and spirit. I believe everyone has a right to them. But not everyone has them. Without health, mobility, leisure time, resources and freedom, for many people, any kind of garden, any natural refuge, can be out of reach. Even as we celebrate – and celebration is important – I think it is good to hold that thought in mind.
Between now and next year’s garden season, of course winter will come for a while. But today we are in the exuberant heart of summer, as it sparkles and bursts with life and hope. I believe we are called to receive the gift of earth’s beautiful abundance, wholeheartedly, joyfully, and with thanks. Then, we can hold that gift close, share it, and be sustained by it.
We will have other work to do. I believe that work includes putting our vision and energy toward helping create a more just, nurturing world, one that has gardens for everyone. Our celebration today can energize us for whatever work we are called to do, from season to season.
Now it’s time to feast our eyes on the second video of your garden photos. A tip of the garden hat again to all of you who sent them in – and to Pat Johnson, who combined them so beautifully. The traditional Scottish song that accompanies the videos, “To People Who Have Gardens”, is a thank you to gardeners everywhere. The song also reminds us that as we work to make the world brighter, healthier, more nurturing, there is no telling how much it might matter.
The singer is Kenneth McKellar and the lyrics are by Agnes More MacKenzie.
Celebrate, enjoy, and keep on making good things come up!
Shall we pray:
Spirit of Goodness, we do love our gardens. Thank you for the countless ways you are present in them.
We remember today all who are in distress of any kind and unable to enjoy the bountiful gifts of summer. May they be surrounded by loving care.
May they and we remember that there is always love, even in seasons of darkness.
We rejoice for all the bright gifts in our lives and give thanks for them.
We pledge to tread gently on the earth, that it may remain healthy and giving unto the seventh generation.
May all our caring efforts be blessed, even if they do not come to fruition in ways we can see.
May we work toward a world where all may blossom, in health and peace.
Spirit of Goodness, we offer our own joys, heartaches and cares, as we now enter a period of silent openness to your loving presence.
Blessing
As we near the end of today’s service, I would like to offer this short, heart-felt blessing:
May all be welcome and regaled at earth’s resplendent, bountiful garden party. Amen.
