I built this water garden some 15 years or so ago, and it still is a continuing source of wonder and joy. At the time a junior family member was being a total shit--big time--and digging the BIG hole was so totally therapeutic. The physical labor was the outlet for my psychological frustrations.
(NOTE: the family member in question is a wonderful, responsible adult now, so all's well that ends well).
There actually is a connection to Ultrarunning. When I worked for the Defense Department before I retired, I often would have meetings at the Pentagon or at Crystal City nearby. When overnight stays were required, I would stay in Crystal City (adjacent to Reagan National Airport) and would run along the Mount Vernon Trail, which parallels the Potomac River. I would run upstream along the Mount Vernon Trail to Theodore Roosevelt Island opposite Rosslyn and Georgetown.
Once on the island, there are a number of trails to run on. One in particular is along the boggy lowlands near river level, and I vividly recall one spring seeing a ton of wild iris blooming, just like in my water garden.
I’ve heard about horticultural therapy and how it could help heal the mind. Our environment does play a role in inclining our thoughts towards a positive light, and it’s mostly because of the peace we could find in nature. It's the same reason why some people take those long walks in park and nature when the stress and anxiety becomes overwhelming. Gardening is a nice and practical outlet, and It's good to know that it worked out for you, and you ended up with a garden you can be proud of from then until now. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGwendolyn Reyes @ Tapestry, NJ