Hidden treasures
As the leaves fall and the gardens wither, the final days of autumn can reveal some hidden treasures. Finlandia Gardens, part of the Finnish Center Association in southeast Michigan, exemplifies this in its unique pieces of art and sculpture.
On a walk through the gardens this week, I discovered so many colorful and meaningful pieces of art that often get missed, I think, when the summer blooms get all the attention.
Many of these handmade items peek out from unexpected places, adding splashes of color amid the browns and grays of the fall foliage. The majority are made from recycled and discarded items — an outstanding example of “upcycling” to create new art and messaging.
The several acres of community gardens are beautiful in all seasons, but autumn may offer some unexpected surprises. There are various quiet corners to sit and contemplate life, remember people and places, and commemorate experiences and special memories.
Science has proven that spending time in nature can boost our moods and minds, and actually undo some of the harmful effects of our modern lives, including information overload and addiction to technology. Grief is also eased, I believe, by getting outside, feeling the sun on your face, and just going for a walk.
In the words of Naturalist and Activist John Muir:
“I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out til sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”
Nature heals what ails us.
It’s time to go for another walk.
About Finlandia Gardens: The community gardens are located at 35200 West Eight Mile Road; Farmington Hills, MI 48335. Open to the public sunup to sundown daily. People of any ability, age, and experience level are invited to visit, volunteer, enjoy, and be part of these gardens. For more information, visit finlandiagardens.org
About John Muir: Muir was born in Scotland and emigrated to the United States at the age of 11. His family settled on a farm in Wisconsin. It was there and through his travels in the mountain ranges of the west that cultivated his deep love and respect for nature. Muir went on to be a successful writer and conservationist, and co-founded the Sierra Club, one of the first and largest environmental preservation organizations in the world.