Want to take a guess at who said this? I’ll give you a couple of hints.
- This person was a musician (a really famous musician) - one who obviously loved gardening.
- This person is deceased (circa 2001).
- This person left a legacy of songs, some of which are timeless.
If I didn’t know the correct answer, I’d probably start with famous female stars as, sadly and inaccurately, passionate gardeners are often stereotyped as of the feminine gender. Singers like Kate Smith, Ella Fitzgerald and Judy Garland, even Doris Day, come to mind. Can’t you just see them out in the sun with really glam gardening hats? (I know. I’m showing my age).
So OK. . . another hint: It’s a he.
Hmmm. . . Those old Italian boys all loved gardening. Dean Martin? Frank Sinatra? Tony Bennet? Maybe even Bobby Darrin. Or Fabian? Or Frankie Avalon gardening with Annette Funicello? Can you dig it?
Incorrect on all guesses. Would you believe George Harrison — one of those mop-topped, flip-talking Liverpool darlings who took America by storm when The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show on three consecutive Sundays in February of 1964? Later that year, in August, I (along with a group of my girlfriends) had the incredibly exciting experience of watching The Beatles perform live at Cincinnati Gardens. I was 17, headed into my senior year of high school. The tickets were pricey — $5! I saved money from my job at Putt-Putt Golf course to purchase that baby. That was almost a full day’s wage back in the day. But the Beatles were definitely worth it as I still have bragging rights 48 years later.
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| George Harrison |
But about George, “the quiet Beatle,” as he was known, who suffered a bout of depression after the Beatles broke up. . . In an effort to renew his spirit, he turned to gardening in 1970 when he purchased a rundown estate called Friar Park. Perhaps he knew something about the antidepressant qualities of soil (see archived blog, Go Play in the Dirt). In his 1980 autobiography, I, Me, Mine, which he dedicated to “gardeners everywhere,” he shares that he was passionate about gardening. He loved to put aside all concerns and frustrations and get his hands dirty as often as possible.
So what did a 26-year-old former Beatle, raised in the streets of Liverpool, know about trees, shrubs and flowers? Was this passion of his simply innate, part of his nature? It’s been speculated that the gardens of India spoke to his soul when he was there seeking spiritual enlightenment; but that’s just a theory.
Interestingly, until his son Dhani was seven, he thought his dad was a gardener. He eventually learned of his father’s fame from the kids at school.
World Choir Games
It seems fitting to be honoring the memory of a world-renowned musician as Greater Cincinnati heads into the World Choir Games. From July 4 — 24, thousands of the world’s best singers will be here to make joyful noises, share their culture and soak up good old American hospitality. More than 360 choirs from 48 countries are registered to compete in this world-wide event which is the Olympics of Choral Music. Held every two years, the World Choir Games has chosen an American venue for the very first time. And how fortunate that they’re honoring our marvelous Cincinnati as the American city of choice. Previous games have been held in Austria, China, Germany and South Korea. The Games are the signature event of INTERKULTUR, a German-based organization that produces choral events all over the world.
Now as if this weren’t exciting enough (get ready. . . shameless plug coming. . .), my husband Walter and I are privileged to be part of the Epiphany United Methodist Church Voices in Praise Choir which competes on July 5; and our son Ken is a member of the Southern Gateway Chorus which has been invited to compete in the coveted “champions” category on July 12.
Additionally, our Epiphany United Methodist Church will stage a free Friendship Concert on Friday, July 6, at which we will welcome choirs from Africa and Thailand. More info at:
epiphanyumc.org.
OK. Enough shameless plugs. For more information about the Games, check out www.2012worldchoirgames.com. If you haven’t already been following all the press this event is generating, you’ll be amazed at the lineup of talent and dozens of concerts and events, many of them free of charge.
Bloomin’ musical instruments
While there are no concerts scheduled at the Loveland Greenhouse, those creative gardening experts out there are honoring music in their own way with a display of adorable musical instruments overflowing with vibrant color and foliage — yet another example of the proverbial “thinking outside the box” (or flower pot, as it were.)
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| A Living Instrument at the Loveland Greenhouse |
It’s worth a visit to the Greenhouse to view these magical ‘living’ instruments. Perhaps you have an old sax or trumpet stored away (or other kooky items that would come to life in new ways with some plantings). As always, the talented ladies of the Greenhouse can provide lots of engaging ideas. Can you dig it?
