Tag: Flowers

The Wellness Initiative in Pictures

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The dictionary defines Wellness as “the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort;” which comes pretty close to my preferred definition, “Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness; it is a dynamic process of change and growth.”

I love that it is an active process — one that requires our attention and intentional involvement. Wellness isn’t just about maintaining a clean bill of physical health but it also connotes that we are “whole” emotionally, spiritually, socially, financially, intellectually, etc…The Wellness Initiative only scratched the surface on a few of those dimensions. It was the beginning of what I hope will be a movement to bring awareness to the importance of complete wellness and a conduit to encourage us to make those practices a way of life.

Here are few pictures from the day’s sessions: Emotional Wellness, Walking Meditation, Nutrition and Floral Arrangement. Hope to see you next time!

Nature’s Healing Touch…

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Yesterday was the culmination of a rather heavy week — one marked by disbelief, tears and sadness. There were some moments of relief  through the recounting of sweet memories, communal support and eternal hope; and yet there were a myriad of persistent internal questions. After gathering as a community to bid farewell to a sweet little boy who left us too soon, I felt the warning tug to disconnect  and quiet down. So, I grabbed my camera and headed down to the Bartlett arboretum for some nature therapy. The sun was a bit timid but somehow that was  just perfect as I sought to lose myself on the trails and around the property; staying outside of my head and allowing the birds’ songs, whistling creek, the colors and fragrances to feed my soul. Following are some of those moments that brought me to a halt and which I attempted to capture…

I did stop to smell these babies…so fragrant!
My favorite flowers – Lily of the Valley

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. … There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
—Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

All photos are taken by Christine Dorvil and cannot be reproduced without permission.

SABĂTICA FOCUS ON: Barbara Boland, Master Gardener

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barbaraboland 2016Five 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!