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Dear
Friends,
We have been buoyed by your heartfelt expressions of sympathy in
the wake of the passing of Peter P. Blanchard III, our beloved
Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. You have
offered meaningful stories about interactions over the years with
Peter, many of which highlight his passion for and in-depth
knowledge about the natural world. One of these came from
Mike Banick, the Director of the Millburn Free Public
Library:
“I only met Peter a couple of times: once at the library and
once in the parking lot at Greenwood Gardens. We had nice
chats and one comment that resonated with me pertained to garden
journaling. He spoke about paying attention to the smallest
details, including something as trivial as a newly broken
twig. ‘It might not be significant to you,’ he’d said, ‘but
to the plant, that is a significant event.’ That, to me,
demonstrated a remarkably empathetic view. That was years ago
but it made an impression on me. It is something I have
thought about from time to time as I consider my own place in the
world. Small words, but a profound thought.”
I also continue to be struck by the story Peter recounted in the
current issue of Seasons, Greenwood’s
journal, about an encounter he had with a visitor who had left
something behind in the garden that Peter would probably find after
closing time. Peter wrote, “My mind raced ahead trying to
envision the abandoned item: binoculars, a cell phone, a book, or
possibly a bottle of wine. After a minute’s pause that kept
me guessing, he clarified the mystery by saying, ‘I left behind my
worries, problems and concerns.’ As his way of showing
thankfulness, this gentleman had described one of the greatest
benefits that Greenwood can offer. During your own visits to
the garden, I hope that you will discover this benefit as well.”
As we all continue to mourn the loss of this humble, yet visionary
human being, I urge you to take Peter’s words to heart by making
use of the garden as a source of peace and comfort. Small
words, but a profound thought.
I look forward to seeing you in the garden.
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