"Our Time of Troubles... commenced with the catastrophic events of the year of 1914... Our civilization has just begun to recover." - Arnold Toynbee

Monday, May 20, 2013

Some Visits to Dow Gardens in Midland

Midland's most famous capitalist, H. H. Dow was greatly interested in exclusive botanical gardens. While working in his backyard gardens, he often dressed like a country gentleman in his tweeds. His house, while not very small, was certainly very modest considering his means. He was a family man and his gardens still continue to inspire and uplift the wholesome and family-friendly culture of Midland today. Below are a few pictures from my April and May visits.

I was sitting there on a bench watching the pleasant stream roll on, when a family of young children (all under twelve) happened by. One little girl stooped to pluck a flower for her mother, but her sister in order to save the flower cried out in momentary anguish, "Don't pick the flowers!" I thought to myself, "That's what America's all about." Here was a rare and precious sight: a daughter with real love for her mother, and her sister with a real love of growing things. Most children today probably have the opposite inclinations, in regards to both parents and the wholesome things of life.  I was proud to be a Midlander in the USA. God bless my homeland forever! Here's a little history from the Dow Gardens website:

History
The Dow Gardens were started in 1899 by Herbert Dow, founder of The Dow Chemical Company. The Gardens, originally developed on eight acres of flat, sandy land, provided a creative outlet for Herbert Dow’ and his interest in agriculture and design. He created gardens, ponds and hills according to a simple philosophy that we still follow to this day: “never reveal the gardens’ whole beauty at first glance."

​Alden B. Dow, Herbert’s youngest son and an experienced architect, continued his father's work on the Gardens. The family connection continued with the involvement of Herbert Dow’s grandson, Herbert Dow II.

​Thanks to the dedicated guidance of the Dow family, the Gardens have grown to 110 acres. Alden Dow once wrote: “I think this garden is a most interesting side of my father's character.” Today, the creativity of Herbert Dow is still revealed to all those who visit Dow Gardens. ​












"The Pines" - Dow's home














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