How is David Sedaris connected to the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival? Well, those who are familiar with The Garden Lady know that I am all about the truth, as I see it, in the garden and out. So from the get go I need to admit that other than the fact that he’s appearing at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center on Wednesday July 16, and that’s smack in the middle of this Cape-wide event, there is no connection

But as a total David Sedaris fan, a lover of our local NPR stations, and someone who totally believes in the first rule of ecology, “Everything is connected to everything else” I’m compelled to weave a web around these two events. Bear with me. 

First of all, to see David perform is to witness someone who delivers a master class in the creative process. And if you’ve ever created a garden, and then opened it up for public viewing, it’s a very similar experience. You hear or see something that captures your attention… it might be a plant, a conversation, a meal, or a garden. Any of these can lead you down a path to create something new. This path might lead you toward something beautiful, funny, or disastrous. Sometimes you realize that the journey is the destination. But other times you’re just back at square one, with a bare plot of land, no book contract, and little to show for your efforts. 

If you’ve planted a garden, written an article, put paint on a canvas, or given a talk to a live audience, you know what I’m talking about. No guarantees and no certain routes or outcomes.

But beyond that, my connection between what David Sedaris does and the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival is that both events will lift your hearts. The last time David was in Hyannis, Dan and I walked out of the auditorium feeling healed. And that’s how people feel when they’ve visited a beautiful garden and spoken to the person who has placed the plants there with creativity and love.

So here’s what I wish for you all in the coming 10 days. Visit as many gardens that are open as possible, and attend as many events that you can. All are listed on the Cape Cod Chamber website. And if there are still tickets to be had, go see David Sedaris and what he grows so well.

Sometimes plants thrive and other times they just sulk. But when we create with words, thoughts, color, plants, and creative combinations, sometimes magic happens. Not always. But sometimes.