Aging with Grace

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.

Marcus Tulllius Cicero

I agree with Cicero. It doesn’t get much better than a garden and a library. The natural progression is to carry a book outside into the garden and have the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, if you live in a part of the country that experiences cold and snow for part of the year, getting full enjoyment out of the garden might envolve a fairly small window of time, so go while you can.

I am fortunate to live a quick, fifteen minute, drive from Denver’s exceptional Botanic Gardens. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, they were closed for a couple of months this year. They have reopened and it occurred to me I should be taking full advantage. I live in a condo with space for only a few planters on the patio. I walk through the gates of the Gardens and have acres of varied vegetation to enjoy. 

With both smelling the roses and doing some reading, in mind. I ventured out into the Botanic Gardens, to do both, yesterday. The day, although a bit warm was comfortable in the shade and, because reservations are limited, it was not crowded. I found a bench off the main walks and spent time immersed in the sights and smells, while I read. Such a perfect afternoon, I made a commitment to myself to spend one day, every other week, there. Whether you have public gardens near by or a garden outside your door, take the time to pick up a book and go outside to read. You won’t regret it.