As a mom who is in the process of sending her kids out into the world, I am sincerely grateful for the community in which they grew up. I am grateful to the real estate agent who spent the summer of ’99 showing our growing family house, after house, after house. I am grateful to the coach who helped my son learn to love sports through T-ball and is coaching him again 10 years later in tennis. I am also grateful to those small business owners who enrich the lives of those who live in their community.
One such business owner is Darren Arndt. Darren owns Press Play video store in Hampshire. For this column, I have asked Darren and his staff to give us anxious gardeners a few movie recommendations. March is a time of anticipation for gardeners. It is a time where we excitedly look through magazines for ideas. It is a time where we watch do-it-yourself shows for inspiration. It is a time what we want to do doesn’t always match up with what we should be doing. A time that we want to be outside, working in the dirt, but the reality is the ground isn’t workable quite yet.
The following is a list of movies(with brief descriptions written by Darren) that when watched may help to satisfy the craving for Spring to come just a little bit sooner and to pass the time a little bit more pleasantly by watching some great movies with beautiful scenery.
Howard’s End – There are lots of movies with formal English gardens, but this one is centered around an English cottage. Check out the roses in this film.
Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Prejudice – Any Jane Austen movie will do, these two are classic examples and both have stunning scenery.
You’ve Got Mail – The last of the romantic comedies with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Besides the backdrop of New York city, there are scenes in the 91st Street Garden and Riverside Park. Definitely showing the “green” side of city living.
The Sound of Music – The movie was shot in Salzburg, Austria and many scenes were in the Mirabell Gardens. The famous dance scene in the gazebo however, (another beautiful shot) was filmed in Los Angeles (the actual gazebo in Austria was too small!), just a little Hollywood trickery.
Avatar – James Cameron’s epic has this film on the world Pandora. The story speaks to the nature lover and how everything is interconnected.
The Shining – Although most of the movie takes place inside a hotel, the final scene where a crazed Jack chases his wife, Wendy, in the adjacent hedge maze is something you will remember.
Edward Scissorhands – I’m a big fan of Tim Burton and this film is probably the first movie that came to my mind. After he is first discovered, Edward finds himself becoming the town arborist/artist creating wonderful pieces of art. He then moves on to pet grooming and hair styling. This film will motivate your creative side when dealing with your hedges.
Wizard of Oz – So much to see in Oz! Whether it’s Muchkinland when Dorothy first lands, the field of sleeping poppies, or the scary forest when they first run into the Cowardly Lion. Lots of great scenery, even if it is just a dream!
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory or Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory – Both films have wonderful, fantastical scenery and in the same part of their respective movies – the first time the children see inside the chocolate factory. I think I just gained 25 pounds from watching!
Darren and his movie recommendations are available at Press Play 982 S. State Street, Hampshire. 847-683-3715.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or tgsinc12@msn.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
