The beauty of nature is that everything goes together!

For a couple who have visited close to 35 countries around the world, and even more botanic gardens, New England Botanic Garden has become a place they treasure. Avid gardeners who once cultivated their own 13 acres of land in New York state, Steve and Freeman downsized and moved to Providence in their later years. Having NEBG a quick drive from RI offers them a connection to nature, gardens to explore and a community they love. That is why they support the Garden.

Growing up in Colorado, Steve was fascinated by the variety of food his grandfather grew in his large vegetable garden. Freeman grew up in Delaware in a small house with a dirt yard. His sister recently reminded him that he used to save up his money to buy plastic flowers at Woolworth's to plant in the yard. Even then, the beauty of flowers seemed transformational.

Steve and Freeman love people, history, learning about different cultures and the natural world. Along their travels they came to appreciate that the definition of a garden is different in various cultures. In India, the open-air markets are referred to as gardens. Exchanging kumquat plants is a tradition during the Lunar New Year in Vietnam. Steve described the beauty of seeing locals on motor bikes with their kumquat plants attached as "moving gardens on bikes." They saw very minimalist plantings meant to provide a place for solitude and reflection. In contrast, other gardens were filled with crazy colors and plants that we would never think would go together but made a stunning display.

Recently Steve and Freeman dedicated a bench and a beautiful rock in the Shade Garden. On a sunny, summer day, they gathered with a group of friends for lunch and a walk down to the garden to share their dedications. Hearing the laughter and stories from the group, it was clearly evident that Steve and Freeman have cultivated an abundant love for the people and natural world around them.