Nineteenth century English novelist Thomas Hardy worried that industrialism
would ravage the landscape as lush fertile valleys were transformed
into railways and urban centers. His main belief system was founded
upon the ideal that nature is the core of all existence. I rediscovered
that feeling during a visit to Boom & Blooms at Powell Gardens,
Kingsville, Mo., July 5. I embraced my return to nature.
I realized the Fourth of July festivities at the Riverfront were
too overwhelming so our family took a drive to the country. For a
time, we enjoyed the azure blue skies and as night fell, we listened
to the patriotic arrangements from the Lee’s Summit Symphony. Families
filled the lawn with their towels, blankets and coolers. They set
up around the pond in anticipation of the fireworks show and the
spectacular mirror effect on the pond.
Children played in the Fountain Garden. People moved among the flowers,
including the daylilies. I also enjoyed the organic pieces decorating
the gardens. Many of the 54 stone sculptures from Africa that are
part of the collection called Chapungu are nestled among the flowers.
It was as if turning each corner would bring me face to face with
this stonework from Zimbabwe.
I really appreciated the civilized crowd and the perfect summer evening.
Even leaving was assisted with incredible crowd control. It was heavenly
with a safe environment. We got a multisensory experience. I eventually
felt like the fireworks and the music were played just for me. I
was transported away from the metropolitan area and found a newfound
value in the land. I knew my nominal entry fee would go back to maintaining
the land and the flowers. As we think so much about the environment,
there was a new awareness. Plus who could not enjoyed the mix of
music and art, coupled with the admiration for the land. It was the
total package.
The exhibition Chapungu continues through Nov. 2. September events
include a Full Moon Friday Sept. 12 while October is the Harvest
Celebration Oct. 4 and 5. The Jack O’ Lantern Walk is Oct. 19.
www.powellgardens.org
