Chickadee in Wildlife Garden
For the most part, here at Beautiful Wildlife Garden we’ve been focused on the value for wildlife in creating welcoming habitat for wildlife in our gardens.
Today I’m discovering the value of wildlife gardens as a healing and restorative place for me. My friend Naomi Sachs knows this well, and has devoted her career to creating healing and therapeutic gardens for people to find solace, recovery, strength, and inspiration.
I began the day with tears and sadness for a young life ended too soon, which prompted a cool brown nose and the most soulful dark brown eyes of my Plott Hound Morgan being nuzzled under my hand.
On taking the dogs out into the yard I began to notice so many things. The warmth of the sunshine on my face, the gentle breeze moving through, and the cheerful song of the Chickadees who have taken up residence in my wildlife garden, and I smile.
I notice the garden spider hard at work on her web, and I smile.
Garden Spider
Mama Hummingbird pauses to rest from her hard work on a nearby branch, and I smile.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Butterflies float about, and it seems impossible to be sad in the presence of their beauty.
The sadness is not gone, but my wildlife garden has brought a smile to my face when it seemed that was impossible, and I am so grateful!
Have you found healing or solace in your wildlife garden? What benefits does your wildlife garden give back to you?
© 2011, Carole Sevilla Brown. All rights reserved. This article is the property of BeautifulWildlifeGarden.com If you are reading this at another site, please report that to us
About Carole Sevilla Brown
What a timely article! This morning, I too found great comfort in my garden. After a very close brush with severe anxiety over something that has been causing me discomfort for some time, I was outside trying to calm down. Suddenly, the telltale buzz of the male Ruby Throat alerted me to his presence. I was less than two feet from the feeder and sure enough, he swooped in for a good, long drink. I was able to study his little body up close and personal.
Within moments of Poppa Hummer whooshing off to another breakfast meeting, I heard the lilting Baltimore Oriole song. Usually, he’s a hard fella to find, but he allowed me to see his stunning plumage the first moment I looked in the tree I thought he was in.
I truly believe both these little guys were a message that no matter what issues I do or don’t have, beauty is all around me to enjoy in the moment at hand and that moment is the one that counts.
Btw, did I mention the two brand new baby deer I saw an hour later?
I walk around the property daily to observe and relax. Always with the camera in hand, I find peace in watching and photographing the various creatures. Any time I feel angst, a simple walk in the nature that is my beautiful wildlife garden which calms the nerves and brings into focus that which is important in life!
Loret T. Setters recently posted..The Blur of the Butterfly — Missed Opportunity
Yesterday we so much enjoyed the friendliness of a dragonfly near our pool. He would fly around and around – but as soon as we would put up a finger high in the air, we could come by and stay awhile. The tickles of his/her little feet and the inquisitive motions of his head were pure delight.
I’m so glad that my garden makes him feel welcome.
Ellen recently posted..The Lilies Among Us
I so agree! With a lot of stress and sadness in my life right now, I find that the garden is my Zoloft.
Such a heartfelt post; nature can truly help bring healing when we take the time to avail ourselves of it. May you continue to find strength and peace in the days to come.
Carole, so sorry for your loss, but happy that the life in your garden provided solace and nurturing…I quite agree that gardens have a therapeutic and restorative power that sustains the soul in bad times as well as good…
Carole, what a beautiful post, in words, imagery and sentiment. Thank you for the kudos, and my condolences to you. I’m so glad your garden is there to comfort you!