What exactly is an untended garden? The phrase often has a negative connotation, like Shakespeare’s “unweeded garden” overrun with foul things. We tend to think of nature as something that needs taming, otherwise it will take over and devour us.
But today in our shrinking world, it’s more important for us to understand and get along with the flora and fauna around us, for we’re all in this together – we need each other, whether we like it or not. If they die, we die, it’s as simple as that.
The mission of this blog is to explore how artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and designers explore nature in their work. And I don’t mean simply how artists depict the beauty of nature, but how they plumb the depths and seek out its essence.
To draw something is to understand it better. Same with writing. I hope by highlighting artists with interesting and unique perspectives on nature, I can bring readers closer to the world around them, and inspire more artists to do the same. The world is an untended garden, but we must tend it carefully lest we kill it in the process.
I so enjoy your blog and your artwork, John. It was fun to see your garden grow! We just put up a fence around our raised beds because the bunnies have eaten all that we planted, but it is nice that they enjoyed it. We will plant a wee bunny garden outside of the fence just for them next spring. Our backyard is almost overrun with creeping charlie, but instead of using chemicals to destroy it, we are leaving it for all the toads to hide in… I wonder if small little choices like that might really make a difference over time. Hope so! Have a great weekend!
John what a beautiful post. I am so glad you are out there with a blog like this, encouraging such exploration.
thank you 🙂
I love this post! My husband and I just were talking about how a field of wildflowers is such a gorgeous sight-far more stunning than any manicured lawn.
Thanks for the comments! Our yard is full of weeds too, and wild places around the edges. But it’s so much better for the insects and wildlife. Planting a special garden just for the bunny is a great idea Nina!