Green Man Gardens

The Green Man motif has many variations. Found in many cultures around the world, the Green Man is often related to natural vegetative deities springing up in different cultures throughout the ages. Primarily it is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or “renaissance,” representing the cycle of growth each spring. 

Some speculate that the mythology of the Green Man developed independently in the traditions of separate ancient cultures and evolved into the wide variety of examples found throughout history.

While those are indeed common interpretations of the Green Man mythos, for us it has another meaning.  You see, while I lived in Greenville, SC in 2020 (a year lost to Covid), one of the bright spots was when Kerri and I traveled to Asheville, NC; only a short drive from my temporary SC home.  I had been to Asheville before, on my own, and had a few places that I wanted to show her.  One such place was Green Man Brewing, on the trendy South Slope area.

Green Man Brewing was one of the many breweries we visited that day, but it was really special.  We did the tour (which we recommend) and were treated to an amazing special taster at the end of the tour...most of what I remember about the special beer at the end was that it was brewed on a bed of golden raisins, and it was delicious.

We kind of fell for Asheville that day, and the Green Man Brewing company was a lasting memory associated with that visit.

When we purchased our home here in Sarnia, in 2021, we began to work on the landscaping, that had been started and somewhat minimally maintained by previous owners (see previous posts of transformation).  We decided that the garden needed a name, and we both thought of the Green Man.  In a funny twist, we both in parallel had begun work on a vinyl sticker for our garden shed with a Green Man motif.  It was a funny coincidence when Kerri presented the sticker to me, and I had to quickly cancel the production of the custom one that I had begun work on, with a local sign company.

The Green Man motif has begun to grow in the garden, and has become the dominant theme amongst the garden art and statuary around the yard.  I am always on the look for a new addition, but we don't like to force it, rather we let the Green Men find us organically, whether through a FB Marketplace find, or at a garden center we visit, on some adventure.  Attached are some of the additions that have joined our Green Army in the year, or so, since we have moved in.

If you are in the area, you are always welcome at Green Man Gardens (est. 2021) ;)  

Green Men keeping watch throughout the yard

Listening to:  "About You" by The 1975