Sowing the Seeds of the Future: Growing Through the Garden
Written by Katie Wilson
In the stillness of the garden, where the wisdom of generations past meets the earth, the presence of a grandmother’s love of plants and nurturing touch is unmistakable. Some of my oldest and fondest memories revolve around nature and being outdoors; waking up on a Saturday morning to hear the birds chirping, picking up a basket, and picking strawberries from the garden for an afternoon picnic. I am lucky to have known both of my grandmothers and share their same passion for horticulture.
I am currently studying Landscape Architecture at Purdue, and I am privileged to continue their dreams and weave their legacies into my future designs. As a landscape architect, I am tasked with becoming a steward of the land they so cherished. We strive to create outdoor spaces that captivate the eye and nourish the soul. In every design, we remember the legacy of our grandmothers, infusing each project with the same kind of love and patience they placed in their own gardens.
Though I only knew my Nana for a short time, her love of horticulture continues to inspire me. Through stories and pictures, I can see similarities in our passions for the outdoors that I wish she could see today. Her influence extends beyond just the garden gate and continues to shape how I see the world. I hope to leave a legacy like hers someday–treading lightly on the earth, yet still impacting many people and places so others can share my same exuberance for the world of agriculture and horticulture.
I am lucky to have my Grandma who continues to guide me in my daily life. Sharing stories at the dining room table, working in the garden, and taking the time to sit quietly on the porch swing and listen to the melodious hum of the bees on the flowers, will always be my favorite memories of that place. Her attention to detail reflects the intricacy of the elements of her garden, reminding me to think about how each flower flows with the others and how, if done correctly, it can leave a lasting impact on the one passing through.
Grandmothers embody the timelessness of gardening. Their hands are weathered and worn from years of tending and caring for each individual plant in their gardens. These hands tell stories of resilience, growth, and knowledge that are passed down to us. Strong women like them have shaped my future. Every time I pass through a garden I think of the wisdom invested in nurturing each plant that makes up the whole landscape.
In my career, I get to explore the harmony of art and science in the fields of landscape architecture and horticulture. My grandmothers’ impact continues to shape the kind of designer I strive to be. I carry the seeds of their wisdom and sow them into landscapes that will become places of beauty and solace for many one day, just as their gardens were for me.
KAtie Wilson
Written by
Purdue sophomore in Landscape Architecture