Tower Hill Botanic Garden is only 45 minutes from here out by Worcester, but somehow today was my first visit. It was so worth it! There happened to be a fairy hut-making workshop this morning which meant we were enchanted by charming little structures everywhere we looked.
We encountered a few fairies as well.
The woods had a yellow cast to them that was also somewhat magical. The wonder of it reminded me that the Japanese have a word for this:
“Shinrinyoku” (“forest bathing”) is to go deep into the woods where everything is silent and peaceful for a relaxation.
While looking that word up, I discovered this one — “Komorebi”. It means sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees.
There was also a wonderful outdoor art installation: THE WILD RUMPUS, A Stickwork Sculpture by Patrick Dougherty (better pix at garden’s website, linked above).
Finn had a good time once he settled down. Fortunately, we only saw one other dog.
I chatted up two women winding red lights on the branches of one of the trees near the visitor center (how like me — er, not!) and learned that Tower Hill does it up for Christmas. I plan to go back before another 25 years pass — maybe even in 2017!
Once back at the manse, perhaps inspired by the thought of that Garden done up for the holiday, I finished a Santa hat for one of my little critters. I’ll show you her tomorrow. She’s really quite special.
PS before the light faded too much I made my own fairy hut with whatever materials I could grab from nearby.
Forest Bathing and Fairy Space Making
Tell me this is not the BEST day EVER !!
Also…tell me is this near Worster Massachusetts where my old friends are?
Westboro, right? I think this is about half way between here and there. You don’t get up here anymore, do you?
what a beautiful sanctuary!
So pretty I didn’t even mind that other people were there!
“The Wild Rumpus” is my fav. And I like your happy fairy houses that incorporate the best of both whorled stick and house concepts.
On the Garden website they have a time lapse video of the twig sculpture being made. It’s fun to watch. Two weeks.
Thanks so much for visiting Tower Hill and spreading the word about what you found here!
Oh it was my pleasure. I so enjoyed it and wait to come back for the Christmas events! I know that I need to purchase my tix online well in advance.
oh my how I would have loved to have joined you, however I am grateful for this virtual glimpse into the enchanted forest! funny how these fairy tale dwellings of various sizes continue to resonate with so many of us, long into adulthood