The garden as a vehicle of nature’s perfection and harmony is indeed a rich image. Throughout history and in the mythology of many countries, the image of the garden as a wellspring of spiritual and physical healing power emerges repeatedly. Realizing that herbal and healing gardens have been with us always, since when mankind was young, lends richness and depth to our connection with gardens and healing plants today. The garden was a place of innocence and knowledge. The garden was seen as a place of complete, natural harmony of body and mind. In the Old Testament, the garden of Eden is described as a place where boundless peace prevailed. Sweet smells filled the air and brilliant flowers shone like precious gems. The story of the Buddha and the “cosmic tree” offers an example of the Eastern view of the garden as a place one could attain deep peace and understanding. In Tibetan mythology, the goddess of healing brought fragrant healing plants to the world. The gardens she planted were capable of healing those who simply saw them or spent some time in them. Around 600 B.C. a famous king, Nebuchadnezzar created three acres of every type of tree, shrub, and flower for his Queen, a visual extravaganza. It became one of the seven wonders of the world, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. From Persia, the gardeners of medieval Europe learned to infuse the garden place with an expansiveness that nourished the spirit. The Japanese learned to use nature as a way to evoke various responses or moods in the viewer. Stones, tiny bonsai trees and shrubs, lanterns with the gentle light of candles were all part of their garden, which brought the understanding bond between the environment and well-being. I have gardened most of my life and there is no other place that I feel more at peace. If you need healing in your life, plant a garden. When you see the beauty in the garden, you will see it everywhere.
Jerry Hinton of The Natural Gait.
Sources: Growing and Using The Healing Herbs, by Gaea and Shandor Weiss. A wonderful book and guide for any interested in healing with herbs.
The Natural Gait
