Plant Happiness

By: Jan Morgan-Swegle

There is something magical about flowers. The array of colors, the different scents, the way they brighten every corner of your garden and your mind. They are romance, they are beauty, and they are hearty in their enthusiasm to survive. There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “He who plants a garden plants happiness.” I’m sure if you ask the members of the Brunswick Forest Garden Club if that is true, they would agree. If you would like to see some “plant happiness,” mark your calendars for Thursday, June 16 from 9 am to 1 pm, and enjoy “A Garden Stroll,” at Brunswick Forest on U.S. 17 in Leland.

“The first Brunswick Forest Garden Stroll started in 2018,” said Carol Brauzer, Marketing Coordinator for the event. “Some of our members were involved in similar events in other locations, so we decided to start one here. It’s a perfect way to share our gardens, our knowledge, and lessons learned with others. The Stroll was intended as an annual event and has been presented in various forms over the years, and temporarily suspended during 2020 due to COVID. The Garden Stroll 2022 is a public event.”

This year, the Stroll is made up of six gardens that vary in design and content. Some of the garden themes include memory gardens dedicated to family members and pets, features and habitats for birds, and a calming Asian-inspired garden. No two gardens are alike.

Garden Stroll tickets come in the form of a booklet, which will be stamped at each garden location. The booklet includes addresses, a map, descriptions of each garden and the inspiration behind the design. Gardens can be visited in any order. You can expect to see a wide variety of flowers, bushes and trees. If you have relocated here from a different part of the country, you will be able to see the types of plants and flowers that thrive in this climate.

“The Garden Stroll is a perfect opportunity to enjoy nature and share time with friends among beautiful surroundings—plants, hardscapes and water and woodland views,” Carol said. “We take pride in our gardens and love to answer questions. The garden descriptions in the booklet were written by the gardeners and are most helpful. You can gain inspiration to enhance your own surroundings, and remember—a garden is always a work in progress.”

So, what do you have to do to be able to attend this event? It’s simple. First, tickets are $10 per person to visit all six gardens. All tickets should be pre-purchased by sending an email to Carolyn Cook, the Stroll Coordinator, at carolynscook@me.com or Lili Fiore at lilster@live.com. Include the words “Garden Stroll” in the subject line of your email. Additional payment and ticket information will be provided in the email response.

Comfortable shoes and a hat are a must, and toss an umbrella in your car because this event will be held rain or shine. Complimentary water will be available for guests.

According to Carol Brauzer, the mission of the Brunswick Forest Garden Club is to encourage the study of horticulture, practice responsible conservation, and promote environmental consciousness as well as developing friendships, sharing information and creating beautiful gardens. The Stroll is a perfect demonstration of the mission.

I watch my husband work in our garden. He is happy when he is out there elbow deep in potting soil and making a bland space into something beautiful. As a person who has a brown thumb and has been known to kill plastic plants, I am looking forward to attending the Stroll and talking to gardeners who bring life and beauty to the area. So, follow me to the Stroll on June 16 from 9 am to 1 pm, and together we will find plant happiness.