It's been a strange morning. I'm not
sure if it's the lack of good sleep or a severe sugar crash after
yesterday's festivities, but boy—I need some motivation. Do you
ever have those days when you have so much to do that you just can't
start? That's me today. An overwhelming amount of projects coupled
with a hint of melancholy—I feel a little like I have postpartum
depression this morning. Is that possible, six years—eek, almost
seven years!--after the last munchkin arrived?
Hmm. Perplexing.
So, in honor of Garden Bloggers' Bloom
Day, hosted by the lovely May Dreams Gardens, I decided to combat my
lethargy as I did in my long ago post-baby days.
I headed to Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve.
When our girlie arrived almost 11 years
ago, Hatcher Garden was my escape. Since our darling daughter tended
to nap only when lulled to sleep in a car, I'd bundle her up, drive
to the garden, and carefully transfer the car seat onto the stroller.
We'd stroll a bit until we came to this area:
Then, while she napped, I'd read and
enjoy the change of scenery.
Hatcher Garden truly saved my sanity on
many days.
Founded by Harold and Josephine
Hatcher, the garden is a three-acre gem tucked into the westside of
Spartanburg, SC. The Hatchers moved to South Carolina in 1969,
purchased a small home, and then expanded their property by buying
three acres behind their lot--for $2,000. The land, a former cotton
field, required extensive work to turn it into a usable garden space.
The Hatchers amended the soil, built paths and ponds, and planted
more than 10,000 trees, shrubs, and flowers.
(They certainly didn't laze away their
retirement!)
In the 1970s, community volunteers
joined forces with the Hatchers to expand their vision for the
garden. They designed trails, a series of ponds, and added more
trees. A gazebo became a focal point upon entering the garden, new
flower beds were added, and a wildflower garden became Josephine's
pet project.
In 1987, the Hatchers donated the
property to the Spartanburg County Foundation. The Hatcher Garden and
Woodland Preserve became the official name of the garden, honoring
the couple whose vision provided a retreat for school children,
workers on lunch breaks—and new moms with their babies.
When Josephine died in 1999, Harold
restored the wildflower garden in her memory.
When Harold died in 2003 at the age of
96, he gave his life's savings to endow the future of the garden.
While there are many private gardens
that become community sanctuaries, the beauty of the Hatchers' garden
lies its humble beginnings. The Hatchers weren't wealthy
landowners—they simply loved to garden. And they worked diligently
to share their love with the community.
The last time I went to the garden was
in October. Once or twice a year, my amazingly talented friend,
Jessie, takes photos of the kiddos. (You can see her work here.)
Let me tell you: our kids give Jessie a
work out. Still, she manages photos that make our children look sweet
and civilized...
...but I actually love these honest photos
even more, because they capture our kids' crazy personalities so
well!
Anyway...
When I strolled through the garden
today, thinking that Hatcher Garden would be a perfect location to
find blooms, I was amazed at the changes:
The Garden of Hope and Healing...
...plus dozens of newly paved paths, water features, and memorials.
When Peter and I first visited Hatcher
Garden years ago, we took our oldest son (who is now 21) to scout for turtles. He was
in a serious turtle obsession at the time. Once, when we were poking
around in the ponds and not having any luck, we met an elderly
gentleman who guided us to a different pond to help ensure our turtle
hunting success.
Mr. Hatcher.
The garden has changed. It's more
formal, more structured. Master Gardeners flock there to volunteer.
School groups are guided through the garden by horticulturalists. And
now, signs like this are a feature at the ponds:
I wonder if Mr. Hatcher would approve?
Still, the camellias were lovely.
After my visit, I felt better.
Maybe it was the change of scenery, maybe it was a dose of vitamin D.
Maybe it was the realization that spring is only 33 days away.
Also, I realized that while I bemoan
winter, I'm pretty lucky here in Upstate SC. After a quick walk
through our yard, I found plenty of blooms to share for Bloom Day.
Hyacinth...
Ice Follies Daffodils galore...
Muscari...
Hellebores in every shady corner...and we have a lot of shady corners!
Tulips, popping their heads out of the soil...
Forsythia buds...
Daphne. OK, technically, it's not mine. I'm claiming this daphne, even though it's not in our yard. The fragrance reaches our front door from the neighbors' yard...delicious.
Daylilies, popping up a little early....
Iris, "Harmony," I believe...
Blueberry buds...
And look! Fraise des Bois are producing flowers already! Bliss!
Of course, my days are mostly spent in the greenhouse, prepping my babies for the selling season ahead. Sweet Peas, ready to pot up...
160 varieties of heirloom tomatoes...future bruschetta factories!
Basil...is it summer yet? Why yes, when I run my hands over these babies, it smells like June.
Nasturtiums in every color...
And heirloom hollyhocks, also ready for bigger homes.
And finally, the kitchen garden is still hanging in there, even after some 20 degree nights.
Pac Choi...(and weeds.)
Rainbow Chard...
Broccoli...grow, baby, grow!
Huh. I didn't need to leave our
yard to participate in bloom day after all.
But I'm glad I did.
My funk faded, and I've gotten a few things accomplished.
Finally, I loved this stone that I found at the entrance to the Garden of Hope and Healing. The words, in memory of a loved one, somehow spoke to me today.
Happy Bloom Day, everyone!
XO ~
Julie
P.S. If you'd like to know more about Harold Hatcher, this is a lovely book:
The Seasons of Harold Hatcher by Mike Hembree.
Great posting Julie, I will have to go and check out Hatcher Garden. Thanks for sharing such a nice place.
ReplyDeleteJanet, you will love it--it's definitely worth the trip. Perhaps we can plan an outing in the spring?
ReplyDeleteSounds great Julie!
ReplyDeleteOh, my! What gorgeous pictures. You really have given us a respite from mid-winter doldrums.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice post. I enjoyed reading about the Hatcher Garden and also seeing the blooms in your yard, especially the cluster of golden crocus. I have only a few and they never last long because the deer like to eat them once they're open!
ReplyDeleteA marvelous Bloom Day post. Thank you for sharing one of your favorite places to visit as well as the grand things in your own lovely garden.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize how special Hatcher gardens was to you guys :)
ReplyDeleteYes you have plenty already blooming. I'm just waiting on the stuff other than my Heather. Already following and enjoying your blog.
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
I'm so glad I found your blog this bloom day! In 2011 I moved 'home' to Tennessee after spending 10 years making a new 'home' in the upstate. South Carolina gardens definitely make me smile!
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Bloom Day!
Hi Julie, thanks for peeping into my post, i was here now! I wish we also have gardens here where we can just relax or do some gardening as well. The photos are lovely and the tour was amusing as well. Your kids are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI just saw this post! I'm from Spartanburg & now live in NJ. I am so ashamed I've never been to Hatcher. I'll definitely plan to go next time I'm home!
ReplyDelete