Sunday 19 April 2015

In tune with nature............

 My mother has suffered with depression for as long as I can remember.    As a child I never quite understood what was happening............the change in personality, the darkness that descended on the home.
 Often I would ask her if I could take my brother out to Greenwich Park, just to get away from the heavy atmosphere.
My brother and I would spend several hours there, playing, running, and exploring.   My spirit would lift and I was ready to go back home to Mum...........

 Since Father died I have come to understand my Mother and the depression she lives with.    I like to think I have helped her through her most troubles times..........
 I still find it can leave me mentally exhausted on occasions.     That is when I turn to the garden............it is my sanctuary.
Alone with the birds bees and trees I am at one with nature.
 I walk the garden every day, I believe I must know every blade of grass, tree root and plant by now :)
 Of course, I do not.............gardens are mysterious places.   As I strolled this morning, I wondered what was happening beneath the soil.....the creatures, fungi and bacteria.     A world, deep beneath the plants and trees.


 Looking at the tree house, I think of the Grandchildren, bright lights in my world.     A season of summer fun ahead.
Life is ever changing............but it is good.   Problems arise but in a years time they are but a distant memory.

Happy gardening........

20 comments:

  1. Your garden is a magical place. Those fairies are always busy adjusting... You must go into the garden daily. I know...
    Blessings...

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    1. I have a need to go into the garden each day..........sometimes in the Summer I wander for ages in my pyjamas. I lose track of time and before I know it an hour has gone.
      Sitting in the tree house at dawn on a summers day is magical.......

      Blessings

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    2. Funny you should mention being outside at dawn, I was thinking of going there now. The robins here are singing the predawn chorus. Wonderful to hear even if not being outside.

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    3. Go on Lisa be brave.......get out into that garden and take in the air :)

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  2. Such a beautiful sanctuary you have there. I am sorry that your mother suffers with depression such a difficult illness to bear and for others to understand and help with but I am sure you are of great support to her and that your garden is in turn a great support to you.

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    1. As always Jane, so beautifully put. Thank you.

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  3. This was beautiful..thank you .

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    1. Thank you for taking time to read my post.

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  4. Ooooh, I have similar problems with my mother.....cannot talk about it, but indeed the garden is my best sanctuary too and my dog and my blog. These are the best distractions of a mentally and physically exhausting life, caring for very old (95 and 94) willful parents.
    Your garden looks lovely and a bit secret, the treehouse a great place for the grandchildren.
    Wish you all the best and enjoy your garden!

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    1. I respect your privacy Janneke..........yes gardens, dogs, and grandchildren are my greatest distraction from a sometimes difficult period in my life.
      I do hope that you find solace when times are hard.

      Thank you for your kind wishes.............

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  5. A walk round your garden would make anyone happy, it's so lovely..
    Amanda xx

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  6. A garden can be a godsend in these kind of situations, it can lift the spirits and ease our troubles. I'm sorry to hear that your mother suffers with depression, it's such a hard illness for others without experience of it to understand, she's very lucky to have your support.

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    1. Hi Jo,

      Through my life I have noticed many are reluctant to talk about depression, and I believe, as you say, that is because they do not understand the condition.
      I suppose there is no evidence of the illness, unlike a broken arm, which is visible.

      I try to support her Jo, and only hope that it helps her in some way.............

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  7. There are so many aspects to your garden - so many different vistas - so many secret places - a beautiful haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for you. It must be have been hard for you as a child when your mother suffered her depressive periods, but I guess you didn't know any different and learned how to deal with it - children are made of strong stuff aren't they. To wander out into the garden every day and feel at one with nature - forgetting all your cares for just a little while is what gardens are all about - a solace for the soul. Have a good week my friend.

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    1. Thank you Elaine.......we all love our gardens, don't we? I have put my heart and soul into landscaping this one and I know that you have done the same.

      Children are made of strong stuff.............we all have our story to tell.

      Hope you have a good week.............Spring is racing by isn't it?

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  8. Mental illness, depression affects so many families and life is not always easy.

    Gardens, a walk, a change of scenery can help - it lifts the soul, a little magic often takes us to a place where we can 'deal' with and sort out our emotions.

    Your garden looks fantastic.

    Hope you have a good week

    All the best Jan

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    1. It does affect so many families Jan, more than we realise I suspect.

      Physical activity of any kind, is good for the mind, I believe.

      Tku re garden......

      You have a good week to.

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  10. Depression can be so debilitating, but so often misunderstood by those who don't experience it. I am so glad you have your garden as a sanctuary--such a beautiful place to think and gather strength. Today is my mother's birthday--85 years old--and yesterday a good friend lost his mother. When I think of others, I realize how fortunate I am and am reminded to appreciate every single moment I have with my mother, who is still quilting, still helping others, and always eager to spend time with her family. Hugs to you, Cheryl.

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