Discovering the Joy of Flowers
I have a thing for flowers. Not the Technicolor cellophane-wrapped bunches you find in the grocery store – although those certainly have their purpose and place. Not the extravagant, perfectly arranged masterpieces created by our Island florists either, though I’d never turn down one of those. To my mind, there’s nothing better than a loosely arranged, slightly wild bunch of Vineyard blooms – the type you find at a roadside stand or collect from a local farm or harvest from your own garden. I go for those every time.
I didn’t always feel this way. Once upon a time, I cared little for flowers. That is, until I visited the old Whippoorwill Farm CSA. Funny enough, it’s a story remarkably similar to that of my colleague, Susie Middleton, who graces the cover of this magazine and offers a wonderful primer on how to grow bouquet-worthy blooms on page 36.
I was living in Boston at the time, enjoying the concrete and concert halls, when I was invited to tag along with a friend for her weekly CSA pickup. Out there in the fields, on the site of the current-day Island Grown Initiative headquarters, we collected our bag of vegetables, harvested a few peas, and made our way down the impossibly long and beautiful rows of flowers where members were invited to pick their own. Bees and birds buzzing around me, I busily gathered cosmos and zinnias and celosia and cleome, and became overwhelmed with a particular feeling – the sort of thing Oprah might refer to as an “aha moment.” This right here, I thought. This is great. Give me more of this. More, more, more.
Cultivating a Lifelong Passion
Not long after, I moved to the Vineyard and made those fields part of my weekly routine. I learned the flowers’ Latin names, their vase life, drying potential, and sunlight and soil preferences. Eventually, I began to grow my own. That’s when my obsession really began.
These days, from the earliest signs of spring until the first killing frost, you’ll find me out in the yard, scissors in hand, collecting the bounty of my hard and joyful work. I inexpertly but lovingly arrange the bunches of flowers, then display them on my dining room table, windowsills, mantle, nightstand, kitchen counter – pretty much whatever surface I can find. At any given time, I might have between five and ten small arrangements at once.
I’m well aware it would be easier and probably less expensive to buy a bunch of bouquets to decorate my home. But the sheer accumulation of flowers, while beautiful, isn’t really the point. Heading out into the fields is part meditation, part manual labor, part continuing education. It’s an act of nurturing, an ode and devotion to the beauty of the Island. It’s a simple pleasure, above all.
The Beauty and Benefits of Mindful Gardening
Tending to a garden, whether it’s a few pots on your balcony or a sprawling backyard, can be a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and inner peace. The rhythmic motions of planting, weeding, and watering can serve as a form of moving meditation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment and disconnect from the distractions of daily life.
As you sink your hands into the soil, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, and witness the gradual transformation of your plants, you are engaging in a deeply grounding and restorative practice. The act of tending to your garden can help reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a deep appreciation for the natural world.
At Homestead Flower Farm, a WWOOF host in Oregon, the owner emphasizes the importance of slowing down and being present during the gardening process. “When I’m out in the garden, I’m not thinking about my to-do list or the stresses of the day,” she says. “I’m just focused on the task at hand, whether it’s weeding, planting, or harvesting. It’s a chance to connect with the earth and nourish my mind and body.”
Incorporating Mindfulness into Your CSA Garden
For those of us who are part of a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, the garden becomes an even more integral part of our lives. As we receive our weekly bounty of fresh, locally-grown produce, we are reminded of the care and attention that went into cultivating these nourishing foods. This connection to the land and the people who tend it can deepen our sense of community and our appreciation for the natural world.
One way to incorporate mindfulness into your CSA garden experience is to set aside time each week to engage in a meditation or reflection practice while tending to your plot. As the editor of MV Magazine shared, “Heading out into the fields is part meditation, part manual labor, part continuing education. It’s an act of nurturing, an ode and devotion to the beauty of the Island. It’s a simple pleasure, above all.”
To begin, try setting a timer for 10-15 minutes and focusing solely on the sensations of the gardening process. Notice the feel of the soil between your fingers, the scent of the flowers, the sound of the birds singing. Breathe deeply and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment, letting go of any worries or distractions.
You can also incorporate mindful practices into your weekly CSA pickup. As you unpack your fresh produce, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors, the earthy aromas, and the nourishing potential of each item. Reflect on the journey these foods have taken to reach your table and the hands that have cared for them.
The Joys of Flower Arranging
Of course, one of the most delightful aspects of being part of a CSA is the opportunity to cultivate and arrange your own bouquets. As the editor of MV Magazine shared, “These days, from the earliest signs of spring until the first killing frost, you’ll find me out in the yard, scissors in hand, collecting the bounty of my hard and joyful work. I inexpertly but lovingly arrange the bunches of flowers, then display them on my dining room table, windowsills, mantle, nightstand, kitchen counter – pretty much whatever surface I can find.”
The process of flower arranging can be a meditative and creative outlet, allowing you to tap into your senses and connect with the natural world. As you carefully select and combine the blooms, pay attention to the textures, colors, and shapes that speak to you. Allow your intuition to guide the arrangement, letting go of any preconceived notions of perfection.
Flora Organic Flowers, a sustainable flower farm in California, encourages their customers to embrace the imperfections and unique qualities of their blooms. “There’s beauty in the irregularity and asymmetry of nature,” they write. “We invite you to let go of the idea of ‘perfection’ and instead, allow your arrangements to reflect the organic, vibrant spirit of the flowers themselves.”
Cultivating a Life of Mindfulness and Connection
As I stand amidst the rows of flowers, scissors in hand, I’m reminded of the power of these simple pleasures. The act of gardening, of nurturing the land and watching it blossom, has become a profound source of joy and fulfillment in my life. It’s a practice that grounds me, nourishes my soul, and connects me to the rhythms of the natural world.
And as I bring those blooms into my home, arranging them with care and intention, I’m reminded that this is not just about the flowers themselves. It’s about the journey, the connection, the mindfulness that I’ve cultivated through this practice. It’s about slowing down, being present, and embracing the beauty that surrounds us.
So, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just beginning your gardening journey, I encourage you to explore the mindfulness practices that can elevate your CSA experience. Lose yourself in the meditative motions of tending to your plot, savor the bounty of your weekly harvest, and indulge in the simple pleasure of arranging your own vibrant bouquets.
Because in the end, it’s not just about the produce or the flowers – it’s about the joy, the connection, and the sense of peace that can be found in the act of cultivating a life in harmony with the natural world. And that, my friends, is the true essence of a happy, healthy CSA garden.
