Five years ago I returned to the East Coast from the Hollywood Hills after living there for 20 years.

Yes, the climate is very different in California and the gardening is without truly defined seasons. But as a gardener, I truly missed the drama of seasonal changes as they occur here. Here one becomes more aware of the passage of time. Birdsong in spring feeds my soul.

I have photographed extensively in the Southwest – ancient Native American sites such as Canyon de Chelly, and Chaco Canyon – as well as in Italy in the ruins of the Villa dei Misterie in Pompeii.

 The mystery in places such as these elude analytical thinking. They are history, but become alive on some level in my poetic mind as I photograph, explore and research.

As as florist, I wonder – what is it of flowers that provides an aesthetic protection? The elegance of garden roses emitting their fragrance of ’real’ roses. The richness of an armful of foraged flowering branches or wildflowers. The simplicity of a flower floating on water.  Protection and delight as a part of our lives.

Barbara Boland
Certified Advanced Master Gardener, UConn 2015
M.A. / NYU – Photography
Instagram : barbarabolandflowers

We are excited and honored to have Barbara Boland join us on June 4th as we kick-off the Wellness Initiative at the Bartlett Arboretum where she will not only stimulate our creativity with her workshop on floral arrangement but also help us understand how flowers can affect our mood and overall wellness. An experience not to be missed!