Tower Garden: Landscape Architecture II

One of the things that I love most about the U.T. campus is the beautiful landscape. I love how all the beautiful plants are preserved here. It is amazing to see so many trees and such green grass in such a big city. I have found so many nice and peaceful places to study or just relax. Back home, I was use to having my backyard full of roses where I could go and admire all the beauty of God’s creations. Here at U.T., landscape makes what the campus is today. The gardens, such as the Tower Garden, keep me relaxed and calm during my stressful career at U.T.

Whenever I am surrounded by nature, I am reminded of the first garden. In the Bible, it says “Yahweh God planted a garden in Eden…and there he put the man he fashioned” (Course Anthology, 640). Religion has always been a huge part of my life. At school, we discussed the importance of this Garden. God made all the plants and ponds so that we can admire them and to bring beauty into this world. He made man in the Garden of Eden because he wants to be stewards of the Earth. As children of God, we have a responsibility to not take advantage of God’s creations but to protect them and preserve them.

In my backyard at home, my dad planted tons of roses, pear trees, and peach tree. My dad has always had a fascination with landscaping. When I was little, my dad and I would plant little flowers all the time. This was one of the best memories of my childhood. I was so happy just being outside and spending time with my dad since we did it together. I think that is why my dad and I are so close now. Even though I am away from home, I’m glad I have places to go that kind of remind of home. I feel secure and happy thinking about those times with my dad.

Verlyn Klinkenborg said in his article about landscape architecture that “All the disarray has been filtered out for us. We suddenly glimpse what the world would look like if it were the work of a single hand, a single eye, a world created to please our emotions of place. It’s gratifying-and often disorienting-sensation” (Course Anthology, 629). These past few months have been so stressful and tiring. Going to the turtle pond is relaxing and it gives me a chance to meditate about life. Everyone needs a place where they can go to get away from all our responsibilities and worries in life. We all need to stop, relax, and recharge. Sometimes I feel I don’t have time to stop but if I don’t, then I don’t get things done because I become so unfocused and tired.

In life, we can’t let the chaos and our responsibilities take over our lives. Every once in a while, we need to stop and get away. Everyone needs time for themselves to meditate and put things back into focus. I love being here at U.T. because I have this opportunity. If you just look around, you can find these type of places. Every time I go to the Tower Garden, I am able to think back on the good times with my dad and just take in all the beauty of the nature around me. After, I can return to my work refreshed and focused.