It is difficult to imagine art in any form that is not inspired by nature. From cave drawings of animals to colourful landscapes by David Hockney; from hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt through the Roman travelogues (Herodotus, Pliny) to wonderfully descriptive diaries of people extolling the beauty of their countryside; from odes to verses and ballads penned by poets over the centuries; from the legendary hanging gardens of Babylon, through the famous Italian Renaissance water gardens to today’s gardens of great and passionate gardeners like Prince Charles or Roy Strong. The Roman maxim ‘He who plants a garden plants happiness ‘ reflects this and is now in the form of a stone plaque on the walls of many contemporary gardens, including my own. The Impressionist painters not only used landscapes as a background to their pictures, but one of them, the great Monet created a garden of gardens, that is now an inspiration to all gardeners of note. 
His giant paintings of his garden and the water lilies in its pond, are now admired by millions of visitors to the gallery where they are permanently on display. It isn’t possible to even mention a minuscule fraction of the vast artistic imput that has been inspired by nature but I have to include the iconic works of Hokusai, the most prolific artist of Japan, and his most known work ‘Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji’; one in particular, ‘The Wave’, once seen its powerful image is never forgotten. Why? Because it perfectly reflects the power of Nature.
At this time of year I have among many other birds, a group of starlings feeding in a frenzy. They collect as much food in their beaks as possible to take to their fledglings. Looking at the busy group, I recalled the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s recollection of his coach journey to London in 1799:
“The sun at length rose upon the flat plain, like a hill of fire in the distance, rose wholly, and in the water that flooded part of the flat, a deep column of light. But as the coach went on, a hill rose and intercepted the sun, and the sun in a few minutes rose over it, a complete second rising through other clouds and with a different glory. Soon after this I saw starlings in vast flights, borne along like smoke, mist, like a body unendued with voluntary power. Now it shaped itself into a circular area, inclined; now it formed a square, now a globe, now from a complete orb into an ellipse; then oblongated into a balloon with the car suspended, now a concave semicircle; still expanding, or contracting, thinning or condensing, now glimmering and shivering, now thickening, deepening, blackening!”
It is remarkable how many writers and poets found inspiration in their daily walks or travels. One of my favourite journal writers is William Wordsworth’s sister, Dorothy. This is what she wrote about her walk with her brother in Gowbarrow Park; it was this walk that inspired Wordsworth to write his famous poem on daffodils.
“When we were in the woods beyond Gowbarrow Park, we saw a few daffodils close to the water side. We fancied that the lake had floated the seeds ashore, and that the little colony had so sprung up. But as we went along there were more and yet more; and at last, under the boughs of the trees, we saw that there was a long belt of them along the shore, about the breadth of a country turnpike road. I never saw daffodils so beautiful. They grew among the mossy stones about and about them, some rested their heads upon these stones as on a pillow for weariness; and the rest tossed and reeled and danced, and seemed as if they verily laughed with the wind, that blew upon them over the lake; they looked so gay, ever glancing, ever changing. This wind blew directly over the lake to them. There was here and there a little knot, and a few stragglers a few yards higher up; but they were so few as not to disturb the simplicity, unity, and life of that one busy highway.”
And here is the beginning of William Wordsworth’s famous poem:
I wandered lonely as a cloud,
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils,
Beside the lake, beneath the trees
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
In another note, the same year 1802, she delights in the beauty of Ullswater landscape: ” Primroses by the roadside, pilewort that shone like stars of gold in the sun, violets, strawberries, retired and half-buried among the grass. When we came to the foot of Brothers Water, I left William sitting on the bridge , and went along the path on the right side of the lake through the wood. I was delighted with what I saw. The water under the boughs of the bare old trees, the simplicity of the mountains, and the exquisite beauty of the path…. I hung over the gate, and thought I could have stayed for ever. When I returned, I found William writing a poem descriptive of the sights and sounds we saw and heard. There was the gentle flowing of the stream, the glittering, lively lake, green fields without a living creature to be seen on them, behind us , a flat pasture with forty-two cattle feeding; to our left, the road leading to the hamlet. No smoke there, the sun shone on the bare roofs. The people were at work ploughing, harrowing, and sawing; lasses spreading dung, a dog barking now and then, cocks crowing, birds twittering, the snow in patches at the top of the highest hills, yellow palms, purple and green twigs on birches, ashes with their glittering spikes quite bare. The hawthorn a bright green, with black stems under the oak. The moss of the oak glossy. “
It is sad to see today’s young and older people walking around with headphones on and mobile phones in their hands, seemingly oblivious to the world around them. I cultivate a colourful front garden, full of beautiful, scented roses, hydrangeas, salvias, euphorbias, flowing nasturtium and others, all for the pleasure, not only mine but also for passers-by. Not many people notice. The sublime landscape Dorothy described, and an attraction known world over, is now eyed up by greedy developers, and we are already obliterating vast expanses of green land.
Yet, not all is lost. Every year in May we have The Chelsea Flower Show, and it attracts thousands of visitors, many from all over the globe. It is a place of utmost excellence, with plants and designs of great diversity, imagination and timeless beauty. There is always a reference, by one of the many designers, to the greatest garden of all – the one created by the expressionist painter Monet, at Giverny, visited by millions of people in search of inspiration.
Beatrix Potter books and illustrations are loved the globe over, and enchant children and adults alike. True to her beliefs in the importance of nature she bought several thousand acres of land in the Lake District, and left it to The National Trust to ensure that it wouldn’t be built on. Her quaint cottage is visited each year by thousands of devoted admirers, many from the other side of the world.
Some time ago it was reported in the press that thirty firefighters had dug out a tunnel to free a dog buried underground. When their chief was asked why they had spent time saving ‘a dog’, he replied: ‘ We are trained to help any living creature in distress.’ A man upon my heart. And only last week in Colchester a group of firefighters put out a fire caused by an arson attack on a disused bus depot but noticed that several pigeons were lying unconscious due to smoke inhalation. They were brought out by hand, and on the ground each was given oxygen and then, when they had recovered, a drink of water. The people watching this wonderful lifesaving action could only applaud. Another example how our moral code is influenced by our understanding that we are all part of nature. The compassion shown by the crew to the pigeons helped to redress the balance of the mindlessness of thugs who set fire to the building, on the one hand, with their humane action of ‘helping any living creature in distress’, on the other. I cannot praise them enough.
naturetails 
Excellent post. Nothing stirs the imagination or creativity as much as what we see in nature. That is mostly how I build my posts. Have a Good Friday Joanna. Allan
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Thank you, Allan, for your wonderfully thoughtful comments, which are greatly appreciated! Humans successfully evolved because of their understanding of the importance of nature and following her example in doing things patiently and calmly.
Joanna
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Your posts are always works of your heart and love of nature and beauty, Joanna! Each capture a treasure, thank you. I love this poem by William Wordsworth’s!
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Thank you, Cindy, for your wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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You’re so very welcome, Joanna. Always treasures to come back to! 💕
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Thank you, Cindy, you are very kind!
Joanna xx
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💗🐣💗
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XXX!
Joanna xx
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💓💓💓
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A wonderful post. And I agree nature stirs something in creative people (and anyone willing to appreciate it). Like you said, it is a shame that many don’t bother to do so. Thank you for a posting a reminder about the essence of nature and the kindness that can still be found in many people, such as the firefighters. 😊
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Thank you, Diana, for your thoughtful comments! Your beautiful thought are greatly appreciated!
Joanna xx
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The natural world is beyond incredible!
Hi, and thanks for another terrific essay.
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Thank you, Neil, for your wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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i loved your sharing❤️🙏🏼i feel so good after reading it: good medicine!
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Thank you for your wonderful comments, which are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Beautiful photos and intriguing, charming stories, Joanna! I especially love the photo of the gorgeous English rose garden! The flight of the starlings is remarkable. I have seen this phenomenon before, many years ago. The memories came flooding back when I read this post! 🐣🐥
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Thank you, Cheryl, for the wonderful comments! I am glad that you liked the stories. It is the greatest compliment to a writer. Your kind words are much appreciated!
Joanna xx
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Awww your blog is an absolute beauty just like the nature n universe Joanna ❤️❤️❤️
Nature is the purest form of art, no brush, no frame, just raw beauty and soul in every detail. Your post captures that magic so beautifully as always.
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Thank you so much, Suma, for your wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna xx
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Love this lovely poem Joanna.
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Thank you, Sadje, for your kind comment, which is greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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You’re very welcome my friend. I meant to write “ lovely post “. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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No matter, Sadje, and thank you.
Joanna
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You’re welcome
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You are welcome always, Joanna! 💕
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Thank you, Cheryl, and likewise!
Joanna xx
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I found your article extremely rich and engaging, as is often the case with your posts.
Unfortunately I cannot find the words to express all my admiration and gratitude for the wealth of the fabulous images, fascinating quotes and wonderful information that you have shared🙏💕🙏
Last but not least I found the story of those firefighters who dug a tunnel to free a dog buried underground really instructive – Their reply to those who criticized their waste of time is exemplary
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Thank you, dear Luisa, for your wonderful comments, which always make me happy! Your kind words about the firefighters are much appreciated and resonate with my beliefs.
Joanna xx
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I completely agree with you, Joanna, nature has been a profound source of inspiration for creative individuals such as writers, painters, poets, artists, and gardeners since time immemorial. You’ve given some wonderful examples, like Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, that beautifully illustrate this connection. What stood out to me, though, was your thoughtful inclusion of firefighters in this list—an unusual yet meaningful addition, considering their noble efforts to save lives and protect living beings in distress. Truly, as the saying goes, “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”
I’m especially glad you mentioned Dorothy’s journal. It was enlightening to learn that her observations served as the inspiration for Wordsworth’s iconic poem Daffodils. I’ve also shared earlier that many creative ideas strike me during my morning walks—moments when nature quietly speaks to the imagination. Nature isn’t just a provider or nurturer; its beauty and mystery offer endless space for reflection and creativity.
You’ve also raised an important point about mobile addiction, which sadly keeps many from noticing the natural world blossoming around them. Hopefully, events like the upcoming Chelsea Flower Show will rekindle a sense of wonder and inspire more people to reconnect with nature in creative ways.
As always, your selection of images is impeccable—each one thoughtfully chosen to complement and enhance the message of your post. Thank you for yet another brilliant piece that truly resonates with me. And finally, for you, I’d like to slightly revise an old Roman maxim: “She who plants a garden, plants happiness.”
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Dear Kaushal, thank you for your wonderful, beyond words comments, which made my day! Your attention to notice and include all the details of my post, especially the kind words at the end, melted my heart! You are a gem of a reader!
Thank you again, Kaushal, your words are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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A wonderful piece Joanna in celebration of Nature and our under-appreciated planet! I went to the Chelsea Flower Show once very long ago, with my mother. She and my aunt were devotees who both took great pride in their gardens. I thank goodness for the many poets, artists and writers who are inspired by the world we live in. I adore Beatrix Potter’s characters. I always felt England was much more connected to Nature than the country where I live. May iy always be so. And may this country find its way! Thank you for this.
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Your post is perfectly timed. Spring is here and last night as I walked to church, suddenly there were so many flowers blooming. Absolutely beautiful, just like your photos. It’s true that nature inspires us, even musicians! A lovely ending of the firefighters saving the pigeons. How different our world would be if we turned on the news and saw MORE heart warming stories like this versus doom / gloom. Our faith in humanity would be renewed daily. Happy Easter! 💕🐇🙏
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments, which resonate with my thoughts! With so many people dedicated to nature, our planet is going to be safe.
Joanna
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Thank you so much, dear Monica, for your wonderfully perceptive comments, which are deeply appreciate!
Joanna x
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A fabulous post, Joanna! Although we’ve had rain for the last 2 days, there is certainly a “greening” of all plants now! Wonderful to see, even the rain! 🤗💓😘💌🙋♂️
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Thank you, Ashley, for your kind comments, which are much appreciated.
Joanna
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It’s always a pleasure for me to read your posts and you deserve all my praise🤗
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Thank you, Luisa, you are very kind!
Joanna xx
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It’s truly my pleasure, Joanna. You’re welcome, always!
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Thank you, Kaushal, for your kindness!
Joanna
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💕🌺💕
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XXX!
Joanna xx
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Dear Joanna, thank you for the breathtaking shares! Easy to see how so much art, including poetry, has been inspired by these gardens. I am sure your own garden is lovely. 🌼🌷 Wishing you a wonderful weekend. 🙏🏻
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Thank you, Michele, for your lovely comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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Joanna, What a beautiful post… and of course art and Monet just resonate in my heart 💜❤️ thank you for such an uplifting post. In times like these they are so needed.
Take care, Morag x
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Thank you! It is inspiring just knowing places like that exist! 🩷
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Thank you, Morag, for your wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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I agree, without them, it would a sad world, Michele!
Joanna
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You are welcome 🤗
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This is such an inspirational read, Joanna. I have copied a couple of your photos to use while trying my hand at watercolor. 🙂 But the acts of kindness you shared were inspiring as were the journal entries and poem. I can tell that you put a lot of your spirit into creating this piece. I thank you from my heart on this lovely spring day.
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