Let’s Arrange some Summer Flowers

When I struggle, I return to the gardens.

I work, play or just observe my gardens when I’m content.

I struggle with multiple aspects in my life from being neurodivergent to raising a teen with autism to a grief journey after our daughter’s sudden death on May 27, 2020.

So many parts of day-to-day life from work to a given event, I have to plan ahead in case I’m triggered. I know what it’s like to stand in the middle of a room, and feel completely alone. I understand what it’s like to believe people look at you a moment and judge.

When I garden–whether I move plants, put down dirt, or cut flowers–I feel reconnected with the world. It recenters me. There is a power in looking at a plant, and you think:

I grew that from bulb … or I grew that from seed.

I’ll learn to collect seeds as the flowers fade, so I can plant certain flowers for free.

Today’s floral arrangement delivers job to my heart because each flower is from our farm.

I grew the calla lilies from Brent & Becky’s Bulbs. I’ll never buy calla lilies from the store again with how tall and beautifully these calla lilies grow.

Photos, video and writing by R.A. Bridges