During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans faced strict lockdowns that limited their freedoms and daily activities. This situation raised an interesting question: could people really survive on garden centers alone?
In 2020, as the pandemic unfolded, people were told to stay home. Those deemed "nonessential" were forced to cocoon themselves, while essential services remained open. In Ohio, a stay-at-home order prohibited gatherings of more than ten people and closed various entertainment venues, such as movie theaters and amusement parks. Surprisingly, garden centers were allowed to remain open, providing a strange form of relief for residents.
While many could not enjoy their usual activities, they were still free to shop for plants and gardening supplies. This led to crowded garden centers filled with people eager to engage in gardening, even if many were not true enthusiasts. The availability of these centers seemed to serve as a distraction from the restrictions imposed on everyday life.
The author recalls visiting a local garden center during the spring and summer of 2020. It was bustling with people, not necessarily because they were passionate about gardening, but because it was one of the few places they could go. The garden center became a symbol of normalcy amid the chaos of lockdowns, almost like a temporary escape from reality.
Despite the oddity of the situation, the author found themselves participating in this trend by purchasing several trees for their yard. However, the joy of gardening was short-lived as the summer heat and water restrictions took a toll on their new plants. Even when shopping became possible again, the experience was tinged with the pandemic’s lingering effects, including mask-wearing.
As the year progressed, the normalization of masks extended even to garden centers, where customers donned face coverings during holiday shopping. This shift highlighted how deeply the pandemic had affected daily life and perceptions of safety.
Looking back, the author reflects on their experience as a missed opportunity. They acknowledge their lack of gardening knowledge and express a desire for a different kind of freedom in the future—one that doesn’t confine them to a garden center during times of crisis. The pandemic reshaped many aspects of life, and for some, it turned simple errands into reminders of lost freedoms.