But we designed some common ground, such as the deck and the greenhouses, where we meet and share tasks or enjoyment of the garden. That seemed odd to me, until I saw it as personal connections for each of us, bridging home and work. Many of the plants we grow are the result of our relationships. It may be a spouse s favorite color, or a plant recommended or given to us by a friend, or something in the name. Many a plant has been sold because it was the same name as a grandchild.
Vertical connectedness is our place in time, and our connections to past and future.
The most immediate connections are to family. We all have memories of colors, textures, tastes, sounds that are carried over from past experiences, influencing what we like and dislike. We relate many objects and experiences with our past, pleasant and unpleasant. Lambs ear may feel like an old baby s blanket. Mint may bring back the memory of a grandparent s candy dish.