If you love the natural world, a peer into an artistic mind, and spirits that move us, then you must watch the 2016 documentary The Gardener. I had not ever heard of the man who created Les Quatres Vents, The Four Winds, gardens in Canada—it is amazing to me the wonders awaiting us to find them in this world. And this is certainly one. The creation of the immense gardens themselves, and also how well the people being interviewed articulated their experience of it all was completely moving.
I did not, for one moment, feel like the tiny garden I have been loving this summer was inferior. In fact, I loved it more. A garden does not need to be huge to engage the senses and feelings in the ways talked about in this film. All we need to put together is a bit of dirt, some seeds, and water. That in itself is a wonder.
I was unexpectedly moved by a certain tower in his garden. They showed the exterior many times before taking the viewer inside. For that time, I wanted to know so badly what was inside. When they finally took us into it, I became haunted. It was made to be a couple of rooms that one would find in a Swedish castle. Sometimes, things I see from Sweden move me to inexplicable tears, and I go to a place I cannot quite touch with words. This can be embarrassing at times, standing in Ikea looking at the flower print on a duvet for example, ha. I don’t know what that is, but I hope one day it makes sense to me. Every tiny detail they unveiled—teacups, vines painted on the walls, framed drawings of flowers, the fireplace, the bedroom—pulled me further into that place.
Photo from Toronto Gardens blog
I cannot find words to describe how these rooms make me feel. Like I have been reacquainted with someone or something I have missed for a very long time. That stove, of all things, really gets to me.
Photo from Toronto Gardens blog
Photo from Toronto Gardens blog
I really could go on a long time about it but I will stop there.
Watch this film and see what moves you, too. A little 90 minute travel in watching The Gardener has given me inspiration for my own gardens, and for life.