Watch Gardening With Soul

Gardening With Soul is a heartwarming documentary that explores the life and career of Loyola Galvin, a devoted gardener who has dedicated her life to her passion. Directed by Jess Feast, the film provides an intimate look at Loyola's world, her work, and her philosophy on life through interviews and footage of her in action. The film begins by introducing Loyola, who reflects on her upbringing and her family's love of gardening. She talks about her early years as a novice gardener and the challenges she faced when starting out. Her passion and perseverance eventually led her to become Head Gardener at Larnach Castle, one of New Zealand's most famous tourist attractions. Loyola's role at the castle allowed her to showcase her talent and creativity, and soon she became a well-respected figure in the gardening community.

Throughout the film, Loyola takes viewers on a tour of the castle's stunning gardens, pointing out the various plants, flowers, and trees that she has carefully cultivated over the years. The camera follows her as she goes about her daily gardening routine, tending to the flowers, trimming the hedges, and tending to the vegetable garden. Her love for gardening is evident, and the joy it brings her is contagious.

But there is more to Loyola than just her green thumb. The film also delves into her personal life, including her relationship with her husband Peter, who is battling cancer. Loyola talks openly about the challenges she faces in trying to balance her work with caring for Peter, and the emotional toll it has taken on her. Despite the difficulties, she remains committed to her work, and draws strength from the beauty of the gardens she tends.

One of the most poignant moments in the film comes when Loyola reflects on her own mortality. She talks about her belief that the gardens she creates will live on long after she has gone, and how this provides her with a sense of comfort and purpose. This theme of legacy is woven throughout the film, as Loyola discusses the importance of passing on knowledge and skills to the next generation.

As the film draws to a close, viewers are left with a sense of inspiration and admiration for Loyola and her work. Through her dedication to gardening, she has created something beautiful and enduring, and in doing so, has given meaning to her own life as well as the lives of those around her.

Gardening With Soul is a beautifully crafted documentary that celebrates the power of nature, the beauty of the human spirit, and the importance of following one's passion. Through Loyola's story, viewers are reminded that in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, there is still hope and beauty to be found in the simple act of tending to a garden. It is a film that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired, and one that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Gardening With Soul is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.