I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.  ~George Washington Carver

I love my garden and visiting other public and private gardens. But as beautiful as these human-designed spaces are, I am more enthralled by the exceptional beauty that can be found in natural spaces – what I call, God’s Gardens.

If you have ever visited a national park or a wilderness area, you understand what I am talking about. You simply cannot improve on the majesty and “wow” factor of seeing The Grand Canyon, Half Dome at Yosemite or a desert expanse. There is something awe-inspiring and primal about these wild spaces that touches the soul and changes us. We can find sanctuary there and a rest from the stresses of modern life. I am always recharged after spending time in nature and more ready to face life’s challenges.

You can't beat a view like this...atop Blood Mountain in North Georgia

Dan and I have been privileged to hike in Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Zion, the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon, the Chugach Mountains in Alaska, the deserts and mountains of Southern California, the Great Smoky Mountains and along the Appalachian Trail. Some of my best and fondest memories have been in these places.  I will never forget hiking in a rugged area of the Anza-Borrego Desert and suddenly seeing a small herd of beautiful wild horses cross our path. Wow!

You can find inspiration and ideas for your own personal garden in these wild places. I have seen beautiful wildflower combinations, great water features, moss-covered rocks and fabulous focal points. Isn’t it a blessing that God gave us these magnificent places to enjoy!

The signature waterfall along the Wolfden Loop Trail at Pine Mountain Georgia. I'd like to have this water feature in my yard!

A mossy fallen tree trunk across a creek in the Great Smoky Mountains is so beautiful and tranquil.

A great combination of ferns surrounding this lichen-laden rock along the Freeman Trail near Blood Mountain.

Wish I had these moss-covered rocks in my garden.  You can view them at Line Creek Nature Preserve in Peachtree City.

Twisted branches add interest along this creekside path.

Another waterfall at Raven's Cliff Wilderness Area in North Georgia

Spanish moss on a dead tree makes a great focal point along the trail at Skidaway Island near Savannah.

If you can’t get away to a national park, you can still be experience nature by taking a walk in your local park or nature preserve. On every walk, I get ideas to incorporate into my own garden space. Leave your worries behind and get outside!

Like a garden path, this trail "calls" to you to go further and see what is beyond.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. John Muir.