Flower Power 1

Local gardeners offer an extra incentive for residents to take an evening constitutional after dinner and enjoy a warm summer evening strolling the byways of our town. Oaklanders have a rich heritage in the appreciation and cultivation of flower gardens. In its heyday, The Oakland Garden Club would have notice of their meetings listed in The New York Times; right along side those of their more prestigious cousins in The City. Although such clubs no longer carry the same societal prominance, the work and spirit are still being carried on throughout town.

In a time when national news outlets would have us spend our time completely absorbed in the problems of the world, driving to and fro on daily errands will give residents an opportunity to see some simple pleasures blooming, and view life with a little more joy. Inspiration to artists, musicians and lovers; symbols of life, beauty and devotion; flowers speak for us when words cannot. They bespeak of the same common appreciations we hold for friends and family, and our resident horticulturists are sharing a gift which will be in full bloom in the coming weeks.

We all know the beneficial effects flowers have on our moods. They are the gift we bring in good times and bad. They remind us of life, when a life is lost; and, they remind us of life when life is celebrated. No gift is so versatile. Their presence in the home is not only a decoration, but a focus for those areas where we gather and entertain guests. Now the benefits of actually growing flowers is a subject that is beginning to get more attention in the medical field. The physical acts of of planting, pruning, and mulching has been proven to reduce stress and relieve tension. Even though your back and knees might ache a bit, research shows that people find the physical sense of well being to be one of the greatest rewards from their gardening activities. Studies indicate that gardening stimulates the right side of our brain, the side associated with worry and stress.

One long time Oaklander, Denyse Roy, is a Consulting Rosarian certified by the American Rose Society. She was a professional florist for many years working events at the Meadowlands, and then closer to home as Curator of the Wyckoff Rose Garden. Denyse took a break to raise her twin daughters, but found time to maintain an elaborate garden with her husband John. “Everyone knows kids can be stressful, and twins offer their own unique forms of stress. Working in my garden really kept me sane, and now as the girls are getting older it’s something we can share together.” Denyse also noted the benefits of gardening for the elderly, “It gets them outside, physically active, they can focus on something enjoyable, and most important– it’s something they can be passionate about.”

The physical and mental benefits of gardening impact us not only through the physical exertions required, but also the sensory stimulation that accompanies the work. The smell of flowers, the smell of the earth, all have an influence on a person’s sense of well being. This has been proven repeatedly and is evident in the ever growing interest in aromatherapy for treatment in mental health. Scented candles and essential oils are big sellers; but, just like the smell of fresh cut grass, nothing can beat going to the source for these aromatic triggers that stretch back over generations.

There are a multitude of Oaklanders who have added to the beauty of our town through the sweat of their brow, and everyday we all benefit from this public display of appreciation for nature’s beauty. Denyse specifically invites residents to take time to “Stop and smell the roses” at 12 Silver Birch Ave. The Oakland Journal invites other residents to add their location as a spot where members of the community might take a walk or do a driveby in the coming weeks.

The Editors would like to thank Denyse Roy for her assistance in the development of this article and for adding to the beauty of Oakland. Denyse continues to do freelance florist work for weddings, corporate events and as a consultant. Oakland residents are invited to pick her brain for free on subjects pertaining to their existing or planned rose bushes. Denyse Roy: neerose63@hotmail.com

For a little retro-inspiration, The Oakland Journal is providing a version of the Joe South song made famous by country singer Lynn Anderson, “I Never Promised You A Rose Garden”.