Poetry: "W.J. Beal Botanical Garden" | Beal Botanical Garden

Growing Season

By Kasey Conklin

The toasting air smells of petrichor: of rain and earth, of garden hose
It travels through this campus on a cool breeze

It feels like everything is waking up
Even the sun feels like it's finding new ways to shine

There is something so fierce about May
When all of life starts living again

These flowers stretch and extend into the sky
And those trees begin decorating their branches with leaves

Warm weather wardrobe begins to get worn
And visitors, much like you, flock to Beal's vibrant oasis

Just like the grounds around us
You and I are growing ---

Slowly, beautifully, together.

Kasey Conklin (she/her)

Major: Human Biology (2026)

How do you see art connected to nature?
I see art everywhere in nature. In the way leaves fall in the autumn creating patterns, in the way droplets of water shatter the stillness of the atmosphere and paint the earth, in the way that eventually the sun will rise again. No matter where I look, I am always amazed at the ability to spot something so beautiful about nature. Nature is art, and it deserves to be seen and celebrated.

What inspired you to create your piece?
In composing my piece, I wanted to give the garden its own voice. Every time I'm in Beal, I feel a wise warmth exuding from the grounds. I wanted to take this feeling that I get deep within my being and share it with readers and visitors to the garden. I wanted the poem to feel so welcoming, readers have no question about the fact that they belong surrounded by the garden.

How does engaging in your passion improve your wellbeing?
Partaking in passions, whatever they might be, undoubtedly boosts meaning in life and general wellbeing. Engaging in poetry allows me a forum to express my thoughts. Either to an audience or just to myself, I am able to write through any emotions. Having poetry as an outlet has given me a sense of purpose, like there are great things that I can accomplish.