How Alice Waters’ Masterclass Gave Me a Gardening Obsession
Me in my home garden, gathering an assortment of veggies for a salad and feeling satisfied with life.
What happened to me? Am I obsessed with gardening because I’m having a mid-life crisis?
No, it’s because Alice Waters’ Masterclass broke my brain in the best way possible, and happily it’s never been the same ever since.
The entire series is a study in bringing consciousness and intention to living and preparing food. Alice doesn't just teach recipes; she imparts a philosophy of mindfulness and a deep respect for the ingredients we often take for granted. But my favorite part? A 10-minute segment where she washes greens for a salad.
No joke—the entire 10-minute video is just salad washing.
It begins after she's harvested a beautiful assortment of greens from her garden. She places each leaf into an antique clay bowl filled with water, gently washing them by hand. There's a serenity in her movements, a reverence for each leaf. Then she delicately lays them out on the nicest monogrammed linen towel you can imagine and slowly rolls the leaves up like a burrito to dry.
I watched this segment so many times. I told everyone about it.
There was something mesmerizing about the simplicity and care she brought to what could easily be such a mundane task. It wasn't just about cleaning lettuce; it was a meditation on mindfulness and appreciating the journey from garden to plate.
And so, my gardening journey began. I delved into seed catalogs, picked out heirloom varieties, and built raised beds. The first time I harvested my own lettuce, I felt a surge of joy. Washing those greens, I understood what Alice was conveying—not just the act itself, but the connection to nature and the satisfaction of nurturing something from seed to table.
Now, my days are filled with the simple pleasures of tending to my garden. I've expanded beyond lettuce to a variety of edible plants, and each plant carries its own lessons in patience and care.
And there you have it. That's how I got here, and there's no going back. Gardening has become more than a hobby; it's a way of life that brings me peace, fulfillment, and a deeper appreciation for the food on my plate.
If you've ever felt the pull toward a simpler, more intentional way of living, I encourage you to watch that segment of Alice Waters washing lettuce. It might just change your life, too.
(Watch “Preparing a Beautiful Salad” on Masterclass HERE)