Commune With Nature at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
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Commune With Nature at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
On November 13th, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden invited the MEDRVA Low-Vision Support Group for an afternoon filled with an informative tour, a delicious lunch, and a hands-on craft project. Along with thirty members of this group, led by Mary Bullock, Occupational Therapist and Rehabilitation Counselor, I had an amazing time communing with nature.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Seth Jones, Director of Social Responsibility. He shared the agenda for the day and ensured that anyone needing a wheelchair was accommodated. Four friendly tour guides, Barb, Nancy, Lili and Buz skillfully led the group through three main areas of the gardens, stopping to allow us to touch and smell the plethora of plants and flowers. Throughout the tour, Elizabeth Baber, a technician with MEDRVA, who also happens to be a writer, shared colorful descriptions of the awesome foliage.
Having grown up in the concrete jungle of Chicago, I have never considered myself to be a “nature girl”, but, after being surrounded by so many magnificent varieties of plants, I will definitely find more ways to enjoy God’s gift of nature to our planet. I felt most at peace in the healing garden. I felt the textures of the leaves and inhaled the soothing, fragrant odors of eucalyptus and lavender plants. I felt as if I was resting in the Garden of Eden.
The atrium area brought me into a world of nature which I must admit sometimes was a little frightening. As I listened to the descriptions of plants which can grow over ten feet tall, I imagined myself in a Jurassic World of man-eating plants. Some of the leaves were as long as the length of my leg!
Our day ended with a craft project. We used our senses of touch and smell to place dried plants into a type of clay, giving us a great handmade memory of our day at the gardens.
I encourage everyone to visit The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. During the holiday season, they present the GardenFest of Lights. Everyone can commune with the beauty of nature while enjoying the spirit of the season.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
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