The Gardens of Emily Dickinson by Judith Farr

The Gardens of Emily Dickinson by Judith Farr

Gardening was a big part of Emily Dickinson‘s life, and Judith's book comprehensively explores Emily Dickinson's deep connection to gardening. It delves into how gardening served as a passionate pursuit, spiritual sustenance, and metaphor for Emily's life.

Judith also helps us understand the poet's relationship with specific flowers and the floral symbolism in her poems, which Emily referred to her poems as "Blossoms of the Brain." Emily's poems can be challenging to understand without academic and horticultural insight.

Jasmine was on Emily's list of favorite flowers. It was third, next to "dearest Daphne". In the top spot were all wildflowers, which Emily considered dearest.

Key topics in the Judith's book include:

• The intertwining of poetry and gardening: Emily's verses and her life in flowers are closely linked, with certain flowers symbolizing specific people and emotions.
• The intimate connection to nature: Emily's gardens were personal theaters, reflecting her identity and serving as a primary source of inspiration.
• The practical and symbolic significance of flowers: Flowers were both physical objects and metaphors for beauty, truth, heaven, and eternity.
• The importance of gardening as a scholarly pursuit: Judith provides a detailed and insightful analysis of Emily's engagement with flowers, offering a valuable resource for Dickinson scholars.

Overall, Judith's book is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Emily's life and work through the lens of her gardening passion.

You can get a copy of The Gardens of Emily Dickinson by Judith Farr and support the show using the Amazon Link in today's Show Notes for under $3.