There is so much that I want to catch up on, things that I’ve been “saving” to do them justice, but time just flies! I will get to them all soon, but . . .

Speaking of flying, we were incredibly lucky to be referred to Bryan and Leah at AerialScope – Down to Earth Solutions (such a great name!) who have a professional drone company. We were hoping to get some aerial shots of the labyrinth so Waterford High School could enter their group project into the international Oceans Awareness art contest.

Bryan and Leah were referred to us from another professional drone pilot who explained that getting permission to fly in this area is tough as it is so close to the Groton airport. We were told that their company would have the best chance of getting permission from the FAA. They came out for a tour of the garden and generously offered to donate their services to help us.

AerialScope was indeed able to get FAA approval to fly over the gardens. This, they explained, was a big achievement because all drones are prohibited from flying that close to the airport, at any altitude, and they were approved to fly to 150 feet! Amazing! UConn also gave their approval (thanks UConn!) and up went the drone. The photos are stunning and they even created a 3-D model that you can view by clicking the link at the bottom of this post.

Every time we ask for help in the garden, it seems the universe provides. People in our community are so generous and I continue to be humbled by this. I think it is extraordinary that so many people have entered my life to help with this vision (thank you, everyone!). I really feel like this garden is meant-to-be and that it is the start of something hopeful for our community and for our children.

It may be a tiny garden but even the aerial photos make it look “bigger” and it is, on so many levels. It was a “Big” idea to move beyond just having a pretty garden, to having a garden that begs for immersion and physical connection. Getting our children off of their electronics (they start so young these days — even at restaurants so many are strapped into their highchairs staring at screens to keep them quiet) and into nature. Here is an interactive, non-electronic way to keep our children entertained and one that also benefits them (and our society) far more than just a momentary distraction.

So, thank you, Bryan and Leah, for taking to the airspace and giving us your beautiful aerial view of the garden.

P.S. The aerial photos are also helping us get noticed. What an incredible tool. I’ve sent them to a few editors of major magazines and these photos are really “selling” the story.

Click “The Garden” below to view 3D model: