Around The House And In The Garden

Divorce is the end of something that was once special and the aftermath of it is a time that must be used to rediscover one’s life.  I picked up the book Around The House And In The Garden (2002.  ANF 306.89 BRO) by Dominique Browning to see how her home and garden helped her to do just that.

Browning is editor-in-chief of the magazine House And Home where this collection of essays first appeared in her monthly editorial column.   In this book follow Browning’s journey from her realization that her marriage is finished through her black cloud period and on to her return to living life.  Her writing is very personal with emotions bare for all to see. 

As she works through what it means to be divorcing and then to be divorced, Browning is able to see what life will be on the other side.  She writes about the importance of a house and what makes it a home, and similarly what there is about a garden that reflects the life of its owner.  Both require involvement before they can offer healing.  As she cares for them, they pull her out of her paralysis and give her cause to look ahead, to anticipate future joy.

This book is not gloomy even though it deals with pain.  Browning wants us to know that with the help of home and garden she made it through a difficult life passage.  Those of us not in pain can still recognize the bond between ourselves and our homes and gardens.  The theme of house as home and garden as soul therapy is one that speaks to all of us.  We don’t just live in a box; we enhance and personalize it to say “this place reflects who I am.”  The continual planting, moving, replacing of plants in our gardens reminds us that we are connected to a much bigger whole.

Try this book and see if you too can identify with Browning and her relationship with house and garden.

 Find this book in the Library’s catalogue

Guest post from Gloria Novak, former Librarian at VIRL