During the early years of Helen Keller's life, she lived in a small house on the family's property with her parents. This tiny house "was called 'Ivy Green.'" Beside the house was an "old-fashioned garden[, which] was the paradise of [her] childhood."
When Helen lost her sight and hearing at a young age, her life changed dramatically. She found solace in nature despite the challenges of not being able to see and hear. Helen used her remaining senses of touch and smell to enjoy the beauties of the garden. Young Helen "used to feel along the square stiff boxwood hedges, and, guided by the sense of smell, would find the first violets and lilies."
Helen often became angry and frustrated because of her disabilities. She wanted to communicate like everyone else, but she could not. At times, she would throw temper tantrums to express her frustration. Sometimes she escaped her rage by finding comfort in hiding her "hot face in the cool leaves and grass" in the garden. Helen could recognize the different types of flowers by their scent and by how they felt. She found joy in the many flowers in the family garden. Helen especially loved the roses.
There were many reasons why Helen loved the garden and found comfort in it. She was naturally drawn to nature. She could use the senses that she still had, such as touch and smell, to explore the intricacies of the garden. The garden was a place where she could escape.
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