Budding Knowledge - Valor American Home

The kerfuffle snapped the silence like a bang in church. Unexpectedly, a gang of young boys ripped through the dense foliage declaring the discovery of a treasure. It was a koi fish in the littoral waters of Sydnor Lake’s upper pond. Mind you, this wasn’t the typical koi fish. This was a sculpture composed of 1,937 LEGO building blocks!

At the suggestion of a very good friend of mine, I was visiting the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden located in Richmond, Virginia. A recent survey ranks it the 4^th best garden in America. It did not disappoint. The nearly 40 acres of sculpted land are a pleasure to experience. It is a virtual paradise of plants, flowers, and landscaping dreams.

Having the good fortune of experiencing some of the world’s most famous gardens, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What I found was very unique. Not only are the grounds a visual treat, they are a tool of education. With nearly every species of plant labeled, it is a gardener’s living encyclopedia. In addition, the grounds contain the Kelly Education center, historic Bloemendaal House, and the mid-Atlantic’s only classically styled conservatory. Workshops for adults, children, and families are offered on a continual basis. Such experiences provide tactile feedback, thus influencing the horticulturists of tomorrow.

There were 14 LEGO sculptures in total. They were hidden about the grounds connecting art with nature. New York artist, Sean Kenney, used over half-a-million LEGO bricks to create them. What a clever way to create garden intrigue in the heat of the summer! Although the high temperatures had stressed several plants, the inclusion of the LEGO sculptures seemed to depose any drooping disappointment with excitement.--Not only for the children, but even the silver set. Before long, I found myself on a quest to find all of the figures. Each creation was accompanied by an informational plaque indicating its title and the number of pieces employed.

GARDEN WORKER

KOI

TIGER SWALLOWTAIL

LAWNMOWER

HUMMINGBIRD and FLOWER

ROSE

While garden strolls can be rather introspective in nature, this time my mind ignited with intrigue. Before long, I found myself making mental notes of shapes and species. The desire to grab a trowel, shovel, and a bag of dirt seemed to blossom within me. This garden wasn’t just growing plants, it was germinating a desire to learn.

This was A Moment in America.

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