I ran away recently. Seriously, you know--that "fight or flight" response to stress. When life and relationships can be a bit too much? Unexpectedly, I packed a small bag, got in my car and drove. A little road trip, all by myself, from San Diego to one of my favorite gardens-- the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, just a few miles from Los Angeles.
"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need."
Last time I visited the Huntington, the immense collection of camellias were in bloom and the Japanese garden was stunning. This time I was able to enjoy the rose and herb gardens.
Take a little stroll with me.
Surrounded by roses, I could feel my shoulders soften and drop down a notch away from my neck.
I arrived at the end of the day and although I only had about one hour to spend here it didn't take long before I began feeling calm and peaceful. Walking under the rose covered arbors, I could feel the angst I was experiencing from the previous days slip away. | |
Just breathe.
"The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses."
--Hanna Rion
Meet the "George Burns" rose.
This is "Apricot Candy." Eye candy for sure, and the petals--so soft to the touch.
.
The herb garden certainly appeals to taste and smell.
The statuary here is abundant, temporarily transporting our imaginations to another time and place,
and an invitation to sit in a cool shady spot--a chance to hear the birds in the trees and perhaps meditate and clear the mind.
A wise person told me it was okay to run away sometimes. The Huntington Gardens is a beautiful spot to retreat for a while. Of course, I didn't solve any problems while I was there but I did feel restored.
It was everything I needed.
I have a whole book about this place, but your visit is so much better. You could probably do 10 posts on this garden alone. I'm fascinated by tropical gardens and I think they have one there. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteDavid/:-)