This is the third and final part of the re-write.

How far away we’ve come from our roots swinging from the trees. How far we’ve come from our hunter/gatherer days. There is no predator that we have left to fear, and no landscape that we have not conquered. We have removed ourselves from nature so completely that we feel more at home in man-made, manicured gardens.

I admit, there are exceptions, even throwbacks. The few that grow up in rural or forest areas still yearn for shopping malls and technology. Even they cut their lawn, trim their hedges, and strategically plant their trees.

Many universities have horticultural and demonstration gardens on their campuses, which are host to countless wedding ceremonies. I have gone to Beal Gardens on MSU’s campus during many emotionally turbulent times, and have felt at home and comforted.