Last week, when I woke up in my hotel in New York City, I discovered much to my delight that, on the rooftop of the residential building just across the street—and this was 43rd and 8th, mind you, a stone’s throw from Times Square—there was a terrace with bits of a garden.
The photo above doesn’t do it justice—there was a section out of sight to the right with more properly gardeny tangley greenery, but of course I didn’t think to take photos of that. I was too busy standing there happily looking out, drinking my coffee, and watching the gardener at work in the mornings.
But it made me think of how we humans always seem to strive to carve out little bits of beauty where we can, in the least likely places.
When I travelled to St. Petersburg in northern Russia several years ago, for research, I was struck by something similar while standing in the inner courtyard of one of the tenement-like apartment complexes, well off the beaten tourist path. Because even there, people had set out planters, and hung flower boxes from their windows, making space for little bits of beauty.
“Gardening is an exercise in optimism. Sometimes, it is a triumph of hope over experience,” wrote the photographer Marina Schinz. “This hope for the future is at the heart of all gardening.”
Maybe that’s why I’ve always loved giving my characters gardens to walk through and work in.
Do you have a fictional garden—or real one—you love? Or a gardening character who warms your heart? What is your bit of beautiful?
I know I have mentioned this here before, but since you ask (smile).
Because I have a huge back yard, I always imagined I would be able to create a huge garden when I retired. But arthritis had other plans. Sooo, since I have a comfortably large front porch, with some well established rose bushes and several varieties of perrenials that surround it, I just added a few more potted plants. I have myself a lovely little mini garden that that draws lots of butterflies and hummingbirds. I love to sit out there with a cup of coffee or a glass of ice tea. Gives me a real sense of peace.
I know I have mentioned this here before, but since you ask (smile).
Because I have a huge back yard, I always imagined I would be able to create a huge garden when I retired. But arthritis had other plans. Sooo, since I have a comfortably large front porch, with some well established rose bushes and several varieties of perrenials that surround it, I just added a few more potted plants. I have myself a lovely little mini garden that that draws lots of butterflies and hummingbirds. I love to sit out there with a cup of coffee or a glass of ice tea. Gives me a real sense of peace.
I know I have mentioned this here before, but since you ask (smile).
Because I have a huge back yard, I always imagined I would be able to create a huge garden when I retired. But arthritis had other plans. Sooo, since I have a comfortably large front porch, with some well established rose bushes and several varieties of perrenials that surround it, I just added a few more potted plants. I have myself a lovely little mini garden that that draws lots of butterflies and hummingbirds. I love to sit out there with a cup of coffee or a glass of ice tea. Gives me a real sense of peace.
I know I have mentioned this here before, but since you ask (smile).
Because I have a huge back yard, I always imagined I would be able to create a huge garden when I retired. But arthritis had other plans. Sooo, since I have a comfortably large front porch, with some well established rose bushes and several varieties of perrenials that surround it, I just added a few more potted plants. I have myself a lovely little mini garden that that draws lots of butterflies and hummingbirds. I love to sit out there with a cup of coffee or a glass of ice tea. Gives me a real sense of peace.
I know I have mentioned this here before, but since you ask (smile).
Because I have a huge back yard, I always imagined I would be able to create a huge garden when I retired. But arthritis had other plans. Sooo, since I have a comfortably large front porch, with some well established rose bushes and several varieties of perrenials that surround it, I just added a few more potted plants. I have myself a lovely little mini garden that that draws lots of butterflies and hummingbirds. I love to sit out there with a cup of coffee or a glass of ice tea. Gives me a real sense of peace.
Lovely, Susanna! And so true–people seek to create beauty everywhere.
Lovely, Susanna! And so true–people seek to create beauty everywhere.
Lovely, Susanna! And so true–people seek to create beauty everywhere.
Lovely, Susanna! And so true–people seek to create beauty everywhere.
Lovely, Susanna! And so true–people seek to create beauty everywhere.
Well — fictional gardens: My earliest candidate would be Florence Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. The garden is indeed a garden, and an integral part of the plot.
In real life: my often-mentioned Missouri Botanical Gardens (or Shaw’s Gardens) where were important in m youth and the younger years of my children’s lives. They have changed frequently from the 1930s to today, but are always worth visiting.
I have always managed to grow something at home, but today I’m limited to a table top of African Violets.
Well — fictional gardens: My earliest candidate would be Florence Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. The garden is indeed a garden, and an integral part of the plot.
In real life: my often-mentioned Missouri Botanical Gardens (or Shaw’s Gardens) where were important in m youth and the younger years of my children’s lives. They have changed frequently from the 1930s to today, but are always worth visiting.
I have always managed to grow something at home, but today I’m limited to a table top of African Violets.
Well — fictional gardens: My earliest candidate would be Florence Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. The garden is indeed a garden, and an integral part of the plot.
In real life: my often-mentioned Missouri Botanical Gardens (or Shaw’s Gardens) where were important in m youth and the younger years of my children’s lives. They have changed frequently from the 1930s to today, but are always worth visiting.
I have always managed to grow something at home, but today I’m limited to a table top of African Violets.
Well — fictional gardens: My earliest candidate would be Florence Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. The garden is indeed a garden, and an integral part of the plot.
In real life: my often-mentioned Missouri Botanical Gardens (or Shaw’s Gardens) where were important in m youth and the younger years of my children’s lives. They have changed frequently from the 1930s to today, but are always worth visiting.
I have always managed to grow something at home, but today I’m limited to a table top of African Violets.
Well — fictional gardens: My earliest candidate would be Florence Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. The garden is indeed a garden, and an integral part of the plot.
In real life: my often-mentioned Missouri Botanical Gardens (or Shaw’s Gardens) where were important in m youth and the younger years of my children’s lives. They have changed frequently from the 1930s to today, but are always worth visiting.
I have always managed to grow something at home, but today I’m limited to a table top of African Violets.
There are three small gardens in Central Park in NYC I find very soothing to look at and to sit in. It’s the entrance on 104th-105th Streets.
There’s a beautiful iron gate to go through, and the first garden is Italian with a lovely fountain. Going to the right there is the French garden that is sculpted grass, and the third is the English garden with gorgeous flowers.
It’s a wonderful way to feel at peace as well as seeing the rest of the park.
There are three small gardens in Central Park in NYC I find very soothing to look at and to sit in. It’s the entrance on 104th-105th Streets.
There’s a beautiful iron gate to go through, and the first garden is Italian with a lovely fountain. Going to the right there is the French garden that is sculpted grass, and the third is the English garden with gorgeous flowers.
It’s a wonderful way to feel at peace as well as seeing the rest of the park.
There are three small gardens in Central Park in NYC I find very soothing to look at and to sit in. It’s the entrance on 104th-105th Streets.
There’s a beautiful iron gate to go through, and the first garden is Italian with a lovely fountain. Going to the right there is the French garden that is sculpted grass, and the third is the English garden with gorgeous flowers.
It’s a wonderful way to feel at peace as well as seeing the rest of the park.
There are three small gardens in Central Park in NYC I find very soothing to look at and to sit in. It’s the entrance on 104th-105th Streets.
There’s a beautiful iron gate to go through, and the first garden is Italian with a lovely fountain. Going to the right there is the French garden that is sculpted grass, and the third is the English garden with gorgeous flowers.
It’s a wonderful way to feel at peace as well as seeing the rest of the park.
There are three small gardens in Central Park in NYC I find very soothing to look at and to sit in. It’s the entrance on 104th-105th Streets.
There’s a beautiful iron gate to go through, and the first garden is Italian with a lovely fountain. Going to the right there is the French garden that is sculpted grass, and the third is the English garden with gorgeous flowers.
It’s a wonderful way to feel at peace as well as seeing the rest of the park.
The gardening character who warms my heart is my husband; he gardens and I happily eat the fruits (and vegetables) of his labors. He also warms my bed, so I definitely have a good deal.
The gardening character who warms my heart is my husband; he gardens and I happily eat the fruits (and vegetables) of his labors. He also warms my bed, so I definitely have a good deal.
The gardening character who warms my heart is my husband; he gardens and I happily eat the fruits (and vegetables) of his labors. He also warms my bed, so I definitely have a good deal.
The gardening character who warms my heart is my husband; he gardens and I happily eat the fruits (and vegetables) of his labors. He also warms my bed, so I definitely have a good deal.
The gardening character who warms my heart is my husband; he gardens and I happily eat the fruits (and vegetables) of his labors. He also warms my bed, so I definitely have a good deal.
I love my garden-it’s got perennial beds and a small vegetable plot. One huge tree for shade, and a brick patio to sit and enjoy it all. The shrubbery around the edges of the back yard gives it a feeling a privacy, which I love.
I love my garden-it’s got perennial beds and a small vegetable plot. One huge tree for shade, and a brick patio to sit and enjoy it all. The shrubbery around the edges of the back yard gives it a feeling a privacy, which I love.
I love my garden-it’s got perennial beds and a small vegetable plot. One huge tree for shade, and a brick patio to sit and enjoy it all. The shrubbery around the edges of the back yard gives it a feeling a privacy, which I love.
I love my garden-it’s got perennial beds and a small vegetable plot. One huge tree for shade, and a brick patio to sit and enjoy it all. The shrubbery around the edges of the back yard gives it a feeling a privacy, which I love.
I love my garden-it’s got perennial beds and a small vegetable plot. One huge tree for shade, and a brick patio to sit and enjoy it all. The shrubbery around the edges of the back yard gives it a feeling a privacy, which I love.
I agree with Susan McCormick, The Secret Garden is my favorite fictional garden. I would love to see Kew Gardens since I have read about it in many romances!!!!
I agree with Susan McCormick, The Secret Garden is my favorite fictional garden. I would love to see Kew Gardens since I have read about it in many romances!!!!
I agree with Susan McCormick, The Secret Garden is my favorite fictional garden. I would love to see Kew Gardens since I have read about it in many romances!!!!
I agree with Susan McCormick, The Secret Garden is my favorite fictional garden. I would love to see Kew Gardens since I have read about it in many romances!!!!
I agree with Susan McCormick, The Secret Garden is my favorite fictional garden. I would love to see Kew Gardens since I have read about it in many romances!!!!
Susanna, I didn’t realize it until I read this lovely post, but I’ve always loved puttering and wandering around in the gardens in your books.
You’re right. Gardens DO bring hope, beauty, and wonderful fragrances to people’s lives.
My bit of beautiful is redwood country in Northern California, especially the coastal areas north of Eureka.
Susanna, I didn’t realize it until I read this lovely post, but I’ve always loved puttering and wandering around in the gardens in your books.
You’re right. Gardens DO bring hope, beauty, and wonderful fragrances to people’s lives.
My bit of beautiful is redwood country in Northern California, especially the coastal areas north of Eureka.
Susanna, I didn’t realize it until I read this lovely post, but I’ve always loved puttering and wandering around in the gardens in your books.
You’re right. Gardens DO bring hope, beauty, and wonderful fragrances to people’s lives.
My bit of beautiful is redwood country in Northern California, especially the coastal areas north of Eureka.
Susanna, I didn’t realize it until I read this lovely post, but I’ve always loved puttering and wandering around in the gardens in your books.
You’re right. Gardens DO bring hope, beauty, and wonderful fragrances to people’s lives.
My bit of beautiful is redwood country in Northern California, especially the coastal areas north of Eureka.
Susanna, I didn’t realize it until I read this lovely post, but I’ve always loved puttering and wandering around in the gardens in your books.
You’re right. Gardens DO bring hope, beauty, and wonderful fragrances to people’s lives.
My bit of beautiful is redwood country in Northern California, especially the coastal areas north of Eureka.
Planting a small tree is the ultimate in hope as you know you will never live long enough to rest under its spreading branches.
Planting a small tree is the ultimate in hope as you know you will never live long enough to rest under its spreading branches.
Planting a small tree is the ultimate in hope as you know you will never live long enough to rest under its spreading branches.
Planting a small tree is the ultimate in hope as you know you will never live long enough to rest under its spreading branches.
Planting a small tree is the ultimate in hope as you know you will never live long enough to rest under its spreading branches.
I love gardens both real and imagined.
I have a patio with potted plants, that is the extent of my garden now.
I am successful with some plants, others not so much.
African violets love me, geraniums consider me the angel of death.
I have grown quite a few avocado trees from seeds and given them away to good homes. I recently gave away a 10 foot tall Norfolk Island Pine. When a plant is that large, it is too hard to move around.
I believe that gardens are loved by people because we like to feel as though we have helped flowers and green leaves appear. Gardens remind us of the fact we are connected to the world and it can be a beautiful place. We all can use that kind of reminder.
I love gardens both real and imagined.
I have a patio with potted plants, that is the extent of my garden now.
I am successful with some plants, others not so much.
African violets love me, geraniums consider me the angel of death.
I have grown quite a few avocado trees from seeds and given them away to good homes. I recently gave away a 10 foot tall Norfolk Island Pine. When a plant is that large, it is too hard to move around.
I believe that gardens are loved by people because we like to feel as though we have helped flowers and green leaves appear. Gardens remind us of the fact we are connected to the world and it can be a beautiful place. We all can use that kind of reminder.
I love gardens both real and imagined.
I have a patio with potted plants, that is the extent of my garden now.
I am successful with some plants, others not so much.
African violets love me, geraniums consider me the angel of death.
I have grown quite a few avocado trees from seeds and given them away to good homes. I recently gave away a 10 foot tall Norfolk Island Pine. When a plant is that large, it is too hard to move around.
I believe that gardens are loved by people because we like to feel as though we have helped flowers and green leaves appear. Gardens remind us of the fact we are connected to the world and it can be a beautiful place. We all can use that kind of reminder.
I love gardens both real and imagined.
I have a patio with potted plants, that is the extent of my garden now.
I am successful with some plants, others not so much.
African violets love me, geraniums consider me the angel of death.
I have grown quite a few avocado trees from seeds and given them away to good homes. I recently gave away a 10 foot tall Norfolk Island Pine. When a plant is that large, it is too hard to move around.
I believe that gardens are loved by people because we like to feel as though we have helped flowers and green leaves appear. Gardens remind us of the fact we are connected to the world and it can be a beautiful place. We all can use that kind of reminder.
I love gardens both real and imagined.
I have a patio with potted plants, that is the extent of my garden now.
I am successful with some plants, others not so much.
African violets love me, geraniums consider me the angel of death.
I have grown quite a few avocado trees from seeds and given them away to good homes. I recently gave away a 10 foot tall Norfolk Island Pine. When a plant is that large, it is too hard to move around.
I believe that gardens are loved by people because we like to feel as though we have helped flowers and green leaves appear. Gardens remind us of the fact we are connected to the world and it can be a beautiful place. We all can use that kind of reminder.
I have quite the imaginary one because I’m horribly allergic to most flowers but I have giant pot of lavender and the veggies I grow and that’s the extent. However I adore looking at the photos of others gardens. I had extensive ivy at one point, it didn’t make me sneeze, nor could I kill it so we did quite well together. LOL
I have quite the imaginary one because I’m horribly allergic to most flowers but I have giant pot of lavender and the veggies I grow and that’s the extent. However I adore looking at the photos of others gardens. I had extensive ivy at one point, it didn’t make me sneeze, nor could I kill it so we did quite well together. LOL
I have quite the imaginary one because I’m horribly allergic to most flowers but I have giant pot of lavender and the veggies I grow and that’s the extent. However I adore looking at the photos of others gardens. I had extensive ivy at one point, it didn’t make me sneeze, nor could I kill it so we did quite well together. LOL
I have quite the imaginary one because I’m horribly allergic to most flowers but I have giant pot of lavender and the veggies I grow and that’s the extent. However I adore looking at the photos of others gardens. I had extensive ivy at one point, it didn’t make me sneeze, nor could I kill it so we did quite well together. LOL
I have quite the imaginary one because I’m horribly allergic to most flowers but I have giant pot of lavender and the veggies I grow and that’s the extent. However I adore looking at the photos of others gardens. I had extensive ivy at one point, it didn’t make me sneeze, nor could I kill it so we did quite well together. LOL
One of my favourite books about gardens and gardening is “The Unfinished Garden” by Barbara Claypole White. I really need to read that again!
One of my favourite books about gardens and gardening is “The Unfinished Garden” by Barbara Claypole White. I really need to read that again!
One of my favourite books about gardens and gardening is “The Unfinished Garden” by Barbara Claypole White. I really need to read that again!
One of my favourite books about gardens and gardening is “The Unfinished Garden” by Barbara Claypole White. I really need to read that again!
One of my favourite books about gardens and gardening is “The Unfinished Garden” by Barbara Claypole White. I really need to read that again!