my g a r d e n i n g e x p e r i e n c eLisa Woods, Theory of Interaction, CCA, Spring 2012

elemental temporal relational modal attitudinal

All gardens have a story, but it is one without an absolute beginning or an absolute end...

inherited

neglect

care

size

large treesclimate

location

weeds

large, patchy brown lawntree moss

nutrient-poor soil

shallow tree rootsbroken sprinkler system

trees next foundation

contributedornamental plants

pruned, moss-free trees

nutrient-rich soil

vegetable and herb garden

compost area

functioning sprinkler system

stone walkway

trellis with flowering vine

a g a r d e n’s b a s i c c o m p o n e n t s :

landscaping cycle:

elemental temporal relational modal attitudinal

“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help.

Gardening is an instrument of grace.” —May Sarton

g a r d e n i n g e x p e r i e n c e f l o w:A garden should not be completed in one season. Each annual

iteration allows close observation and contemplation.

assess

research

remove

visualize

maintain

shape

add plan

mental engagement

physical engagement

landscaping cycle:

elemental temporal relational modal attitudinal

g a r d e n a s a s y s t e m :A complex system of relationships exists in a garden. Here we see the

interrelationship between me, 2 animals, 2 “waste products”, and 2 plants.

“Eat honey my child, for it is good.”—Proverbs 24:13

benefit harm neutral creates

bees

flowers

Me

compost

neighbor’s dog

dog’s waste

trees

elemental temporal relational modal attitudinal

“A garden is to be a world unto itself, it had better make room for the darker shades of feeling as well as the sunny ones.”—William Kent

m e n ta l s tat e s a b o u t g a r d e n:

affectionate

mindful

inquisitive

indifferent

seduced

subordinate

combative

positive feelings

negative feelings

elemental temporal relational modal attitudinal

my va r i o u s at t i t u d e s t o wa r d g a r d e n i n g :

focused on outcome

focused on activity

lots of work in garden

little work in garden

“hippy gardener”gardening as recreationopportunity to socialize

catch as catch can

“outsourcing gardener”gardening is chore

merely a to-do activity

“designer gardener”intrinsically motivated

flow statecreative self-expressive act

“yuppie gardener”externally motivated

gardening as neurotic actgarden as product

“Gardens are a form of autobiography.” —Sydney Eddison