Memories in Bloom was an iteration of another project I was planning on doing for my senior Photo III semester. The first time I visited the Victory Gardens I had no plan or vision, but after meeting Pam (The president of the Victory Gardens) I decided to document some of the local gardeners and the surrounding plots. Over the course of the semester I saw the Victory Gardens spring to life as the weather got warm and winter slowly departed. During this project I met a lot of interesting people and learned many things about their lives and their reasons for having a garden. Hearing stories of what the gardens were like 30+ years ago from Gary, the gardens sole Orchardist who grows 10 apple varieties in his plot. Learning about Pam’s upbringing, her family and how she ended up in Boston. Hearing about Barry’s career in the film industry, his favorite music and his latest job at one of the local bars near Fenway. All of these stories helped me understand more about why all these individuals continue to maintain a plot. To escape. To have a space they can call their own in the hustle and bustle of the city. Being in that type of space you feel isolated and away from everything. Coming from Vermont I’ve always enjoyed nature and the calmness that comes with it. Going back to the gardens as spring came I, was struck with how beautiful nature can be, even in a vast city-scape.