Saturday, July 30, 2011

Restore Your Senses In The Huntington Library Gardens

            

                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."
                        --Marcus Tullius Cicero (Ancient Roman lawyer, statesman, 106 BC - 43 BC)

   
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.