Pamela Houseknecht

Today is Earth Day, a day to remind humankind to reflect on the state of our planet, and perhaps do something to promote clean living and a healthy, sustainable habitat for all living creatures.

The theme of Earth Day 2021 is “Restore Our Earth,” but after a disastrous year marked by loss of life and in many instances a loss of decency, the world can use some healing as well.

In honor of Earth Day, Laguna Woods Garden Club member Pam Houseknecht submitted an essay to the Globe along with photos she took at Huntington Botanical Gardens near Pasadena.

Houseknecht calls the gardens her “sanctuary,” a place that gives her “immense joy and internal peace, even when times are difficult. Perhaps especially when times are difficult.”

There’s no doubt that this past year has been difficult — the loss, anxiety, isolation and loneliness of the pandemic have gripped us all. Houseknecht also points to the  “intense division, intolerance and overt hostility” in many parts of the country.

“Just as was once written about the Civil War, brother has turned against brother. People are harshly judged by their political affiliation, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and wealth,” she wrote in an email.

And so Houseknecht would head to Huntington Gardens, where an “indescribable peace” would greet her and perhaps all who journey there.

“It is not at all uncommon to see all manner of persons while I’m walking down a garden path or sitting under the shade of a flowering tree,” she said. “People of all races, ethnic backgrounds, all ages, many speaking languages other than English — and none of that matters to any of us.

“We are truly kindred spirits, and there is an immediate bond, a feeling of unity and belonging, rather than division and hate. That is the power of nature. At least for me.”

Houseknecht hopes her essay, which follows, is not only a fitting tribute to Earth Day, but “perhaps it can begin to pave the way toward the healing and restoration we all need.”

A touch of nature can make the whole world kin

By Pam Houseknecht, Special to the Globe

After the past year of widespread closures, isolation from family and friends, depleted grocery store shelves, political and social unrest, and an overwhelming sense of loss, Earth Day 2021 is a welcome harbinger of new growth and new beginnings. Throughout the massive, often unwanted changes we’ve all experienced, nature has remained the same, untouched by the global pandemic.

The Laguna Woods Garden Club was established in 1967, and its motto has long been “A garden is a friend you can visit anytime.”

More than ever before, visiting any of the many nearby gardens, including those in your own neighborhood, is indeed like spending time with a cherished friend. Meandering along a flower-lined path, strolling down a sidewalk lined with trees or leisurely walking on a dirt trail can often provide a sense of inner peace and restore joy.

As we meet fellow wanderers who are also taking time to enjoy the beauty found in delicate cherry blossoms, colorful roses that are just beginning to bloom, clusters of purple wisteria and myriad other flowers, all of the arbitrary barriers and obstacles that can so easily become divisive and separate us from one another are suddenly irrelevant. We are all just kindred spirits united by the splendor, tranquility and harmony found in nature; greeting one another with a smile and a kind word.

William Shakespeare surely knew this secret as he penned, “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”

As restrictions begin to lessen, Garden Club has resumed guided garden walks within many Village neighborhoods for its members, led by Ann Rowland and Mary Jo Brown. Outdoor garden-themed fellowship groups may soon be forming for club members to gather in small groups.

Garden Club also encourages residents to establish butterfly way stations within their gardens to help struggling Monarch butterflies that are facing possible extinction, with information available by contacting lwvgcmonarchs@yahoo.com.

“Everyone needs beauty … where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike” (John Muir, botanist).

Garden Club encourages you to celebrate Earth Day and nature, each and every day.