“To Begin, Begin!” - Wordsworth

Hi there, Friends!

Welcome to the first blog post of Blooming on the Bench!  I’m so very glad you’re here!  Today’s post is primarily a bit of an introduction:

I’m Lorrie Walker - Wife, Mom, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Gardener, and passionate follower of Jesus.  

After following Jesus (imperfectly) since the age of 5 and studying plants, flowers, and gardening for over 40 years, Blooming on the Bench was created to be a place where faith and gardening can meet.  

Jesus has used the garden instrumentally in my life, my experience of joy and wonder, and also in my personal healing during dark times. 

The garden is a peaceful place where every sense is well fed:

• the eyes feast on beauty - colors, textures, light, and shadow

• the sound of birds singing and pollinators buzzing, and possibly water trickling

• The scent of flowers, veg and fruit, herbs, and earth 

• The feel of soft flower petals, the earth in your hands, a gentle breeze, and yes, sometimes thorns

• The taste of freshly harvested herbs, a plucked berry, or the first tomato 

It’s a place where pollinators are safe, fed, and happy, and so are you!

Treasure Valley Sunset, near Kuna

Before Covid, I began to grieve what seemed to be a loss of interest in gardening among the population, but one of the good things that came out of that hard time was a resurgence of interest in the “homey” things, like gardening and baking bread. I’m getting old enough to know that, unless I share all I’ve learned, it will die with me. What a waste that would be!  So here I am! coaching, writing, speaking, and sharing myself and my heart, and hoping that it’s a great encouragement to you.  

Dear One, I can’t wait to see what comes of this! Thank you for coming along for the ride!

Grateful for you,

Lorrie