Summary

The article "Turn 50 And Poof, Suddenly You’re Into Gardens" by Joe Guay reflects on the author's newfound appreciation for gardens and nurseries as sources of beauty, inspiration, and hope amidst the challenges of life and the Covid pandemic.

Abstract

As the author reaches the age of 50, they discover a surprising interest in gardens, which they find to be a sanctuary from the world's troubles. The article emphasizes the joy and tranquility found in local nurseries and garden shops, which offer more than just plants but also a sense of community and creativity. The author, who does not consider themselves a gardener, highlights the therapeutic aspects of visiting these places, filled with color, whimsy, and the promise of renewal that comes with each season. The piece also touches on the author's personal experiences of finding peace in gardens during the Covid pandemic and encourages readers to explore these green spaces for themselves, regardless of age or prior interest in horticulture.

Opinions

The author expresses a preference for local, community-oriented nurseries and garden shops over larger chain stores like Home Depot or Lowe's, valuing the personal touch and inspiration they provide.
Gardens and nurseries are seen as an antidote to the negativity and human misery often portrayed in the media, offering a burst of hope and peace.
The author admits to not having a green thumb but appreciates the artistic and creative aspects of gardening, such as colorful pots and metal painted flowers.
There is a sense of wonder and optimism conveyed about the cyclical nature of gardening, from planting to harvesting and starting anew each year.
The article suggests that gardens serve as a reminder of the miracles of nature and can provide comfort and rest for the soul, even for those who might not initially be interested in plants or gardening.
The author playfully acknowledges the stereotype of middle-aged individuals developing an interest in gardening but embraces it as a positive development in their life.
The piece encourages readers to visit public gardens, arboretums, and garden paths if they wish to avoid the temptation of purchasing plants at a nursery, emphasizing the joy of simply being surrounded by nature.

AGING WELL

Turn 50 And Poof, Suddenly You’re Into Gardens

I guess I should be happy it’s not Bingo

**A pink waterlily at a favorite garden respite** | Photo by the author

Life got you down? Too much human misery on display on the boob tube? I’ve got the antidote for what ails ya — the beauty and wonder to be found at your local nursery or garden shop.

I’m not talking about your standard Home Depot or Lowe’s variety. I mean those quaint local places where humans still interact with you, where there’s still a sense of community, helpfulness and most of all, inspiration.

I’m not sure what it is, I don’t have a green thumb, not by a long shot. I’m no gardener and my outside space is laughable. But there’s something about the environment of garden shops — and the fun artistic things that can bring life to any garden that just brighten my day and give me hope for a floundering humanity.

So much color.

So much whimsy.

So many creative ways to bring some color, some artistry and some wonder back into your little corner of the world.

Who can resist the splendor of tonally-perfect wind chimes? The colorful pots, the metal painted flowers and the artistry designed to bring a smile to your restless heart?

And I’ve barely even mentioned the glorious flowers and plants themselves!

I can hear you, you probably think I need to take a Valium or something.

But no, truly, I receive such a burst of hope and peace anytime I submerge myself into any little town’s creative nursery or garden shop.

**During the height of Covid times, the author finding peace in a nursery** | Photo by the author

**Two pictures taken at The Sacred Garden shop on Maui** | Photos by the author

What a place to collect your thoughts, to journal to your heart’s content and make plans for your future, for your present, surrounded by reminders of the seasonal pull involved in all of life — the hope in planting, the tending, the growing, the appreciating, the harvesting, the dying.

And then thankfully, the gift of starting all over again next year.

I’m sure for many of you this is old news, but for me, especially during Covid and the years since, I adore these sanctuaries, often creatively managed in even the most urban of locations.

But hey, since I’m now 50 and stepping into my middle age with aplomb, it’s time to leap all-in, joining the little old ladies at the famous public gardens!

Oh the glories of spring in a well-designed garden | All photos by the author

These ladies have been in on the secret for decades. And some gentlemen too. If a garden shop or nursery is perhaps too tempting for your wallet and you fear escape without a purchase, head instead to any local arboretum, garden, reserve or garden path.

Watch the butterflies. Smell the smells. Feel the sun on your back.

And be comforted that humans, though they can indeed suck oh-so-much most of the time, are still able to occasionally get it right and provide beauty and much-needed rest and food for the soul.

Should I be concerned? Have I gone a little too far into this middle-aged stage, being only 50? Maybe I need to put on the brakes, resort to jogging and knee-killing tennis and softball.

Nah, I can handle it. And you can too.

Even if flowers aren’t exactly your thing, the majestic greenery and the variety of plants and trees are enough to make the most hardened “indoorsman” ponder the miracles of nature.

Hope to see ya there.

And if you can’t find me at the garden with Esther and Pearl, be sure to look for me at the buy-local nursery, transfixed by the glistening-purple wind chimes, ready to be kidnapped by a rogue garden gnome.

**The author visiting the gardens at Cornerstone Winery in Sonoma** | Photo by the author

Other pieces by this author you might enjoy —

(Sing With Me) LET The Sunshine In!

Some of the best things in life are free.

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Saved By Stuffed Animals (Again)

Some relationships survive the years

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