I’m sad to think I’ve discovered all the trinkets to be found in Story Garden. I miss the feeling of walking by a plant and turning at the surprise of something new in my periphery. I miss the slowness of the object’s transition from shadow to recognizable form. I miss delight in the unexpected. Those moments brought hope during the beginning of the pandemic when my husband was busy as a healthcare worker, and the times my children were in virtual school.
I had it when I needed it most: A garden of undiscovered worlds when mine had collapsed.
While I haven’t found any new garden statues, wind chimes, or fairy gardens for months now, I have discovered three new plants: A citrus with a few lavender-colored blossoms, a rose bush emerging by the fence, and a vine with pink and white jasmine-like flowers.
They were present in some form all this time. Dormant. Hidden. Lurking. Waiting
for enough
water.
And when the plants got just what they needed, they awakened. Reached. Emerged. Unfurled. Climbed
higher
to drink
the air.
At a recent yoga retreat by the sea, the familiar voice of my yoga instructor invited us to notice that, “everything around you is an invitation.” She connected our practice to metaphors in nature throughout the week. She reminded us that the pressure of wind helps trees grow and to be patient like water for it eventually makes its way. This garden has offered a place for growth and patience.
Over time, the water in our yard found the sleeping rose, citrus, and jasmine. At some point, they received what they needed.
Enough.
While the discoveries of found objects in Story Garden appear to have come to a close, the story isn’t quite over. I will continue to sort through my pictures and write about past found objects. Also, I will continue to slowly make the space my own. And, of course, I will keep sharing the stories of hummingbirds that appear as I pray specifically for my grandmothers.
I will continue to remain open to the delight of something new. For now, I delight in the new blooms—both those on the outside as well as those on the inside.
We’ve both received enough.