Gardening offers up pleasures far beyond the limits of our own raised bed or fence-line.
When we tire of our own space or feel overwhelmed by weeds or hot weather, we can recharge our gardening batteries by enjoying the fruit of someone else’s labor.
Here are three ways to do just that:
- Monty Don! Monty Don is possibly the UK’s most visible and most popular gardener. He is a writer and television host, and I am always encouraged by his endless enthusiasm. Many of his television programs can be found on various streaming services. He hosts the BBC television show Gardener’s World every week spring through fall, but I especially appreciate his longer travel programs like Monty Don’s American Gardens, Around the World in 80 Gardens, Monty Don’s Italian Gardens, and Monty Don’s French Gardens.
- Classic Gardening Books: I especially enjoy reading about gardening when it’s either too hot or too cold to be outside. The classic garden memoirs of Beverley Nichols are sweet and fun. He writes about house and garden with wit and whimsy.
- Garden Visits: I often share my appreciation for the many fine public gardens here in the Philadelphia area. I could spend every day wandering the grounds of Longwood Gardens, Winterthur, and Chanticleer, to mention just a few. If you are lucky enough to live within driving distance of a public garden, I encourage you to prioritize a visit. Public gardens and botanical gardens also frequently offer educational programs. It is also possible to fill your Instagram feed with virtual garden tours. I especially recommend following he famous British garden Great Dixter here on Instagram.