The Gift of Life: Naturalization & Connection and the Team that Makes it Happen at the Columbus Botanical Garden

There is a deep connection between humanity and the natural world, as if the energy in us is drawn to that of a blade of grass. It is a cycle of vital exchange and replenishment.

“In some Native languages” says Robin Wall Kimmerer in her book Braiding Sweetgrass, “the term for plants translates to ‘those who take care of us.’” In other words, plants give us their nourishment as a gift – one of the most essential gifts we have been given.

Native traditions speak of gift giving as a reciprocal relationship. A gift should not just be received, they teach, but it should be repaid with active gratitude and generosity. Essentially, it is our responsibility to care for those who care for us.

This obligation is understood and enacted by the Columbus Botanical Garden. It can be seen in their relationship with the plants they care for, and in their partnership with The Food Mill, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing food insecurity in our local community.

Their weekly deliveries to The Food Mill have included “turnips, 4 different kinds of beets, mustard greens, four different types of kale, collards, brussel sprouts, green onions,” says Amarilys Alvarado, the Horticulture Manager. “Swiss chard, spinach, carrots, radishes, celery, pak choi, bok choy, French breakfast radishes, pearl radishes…and that’s just the fall crop. The summer was wild. We had melons you’d never even seen before,” she giggles.

The Botanical Garden and the Food Mill have made this gifting their raison d’être. Both organizations recognize that the act of giving is a sacred exchange. The power of plants and the nourishment they provide exemplify the nurturing seen so often between mother and child; unconditional and organic.

“This past year we harvested 1,919 pounds of vegetables,” says Alvarado, squinting at her excel sheet. “That was fall and summer crops combined. We had so many watermelons, tomatoes galore…and cucumbers, good lord!“

The labor required to keep the gardens running is impressive, especially when you consider that there are only six people maintaining them full time. Alvarado, Adrianne Seldon, Cassi Caughey, and Sebastian Lin are all horticulturalists. Elise Snow is a gardener, and Carolyn Reynolds is a horticulturalist volunteer, who, Alvarado confesses, is one of the most vital parts of their system.

“Right now we are getting ready to start our seedlings for our summer vegetable crops,” says Alvarado. “We’re going to start tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and so much more,”she says, and that is just for the vegetable gardens.

There are seven gardens that must be maintained: Our Mother’s Rose Garden, the Native Perennial Garden, The Sally H. Adams Vegetable Terraces, the Ginkgo Shade Garden, the Pollinator Garden, the Sam M. Wellborn Camellia Garden, and the Cottage Herb Garden. So while preparing and planting their vegetable gardens, they must simultaneously prune the maple trees, roses, hydrangeas, and the camellias after they finish blooming. “Then we have to go behind and fertilize everything. We have between 30 to 40 different beds that we have to plant, which comes out to about 5000 plants twice a year,” says Alvarado. This massive workload causes them to rely heavily on volunteers to assist in cultivation.

These volunteers embody the ethos of giving to the Earth and others with intention and without expectation. This active ministration is part of a movement towards naturalization, the definition of which means the introduction of a foreign person, plant, or animal into a new environment. As humankind are merely passengers on this spinning planet, in this case naturalization means choosing to educate yourself and others in practices that support the world around you. In a society where much is expendable and disposable, this is a route to more mindful living.

It is the Columbus Botanical Garden’s mission to celebrate the beauty, inspiration, and wonder of the natural world, educating current and future stewards as to its care. They do so through a constantly expanding selection of educational programs for children of all ages, including Lunch & Learns and Little Sprouts.

If you are looking to get involved, there are many ways to do so. Becoming a member not only provides you free access to events and the gardens, but also the same privileges at other botanical gardens nationwide. Attending educational programs supports the gardens, while also helping to spread horticultural knowledge. Volunteering is a wonderful way to get your hands dirty while supporting the gardens and those who maintain them. Plus, you might even learn a bit. Visiting, attending events, and donations are also wonderful ways to show your support and appreciation for everything they do for our community. Learn more at columbusbotanicalgarden.org.

By Sarah Algoe