"The earth laughs in flowers." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
I really think I have a problem -- I just can't stop growing things! Although I love harvesting my own fruits and veggies, flowers are a true passion of mine (my family even refers to me as a "flower child"). If flowers make the earth happy, just think what they can personally do for you.
There are many reasons why I garden, one being that it strengthens my bond with nature each day. There is no greater reward than seeing a rich tapestry of color slowly emerge in my yard during the summer, woven together by my own sweat, toil, and imagination. This work is not just therapeutic; it's almost a need that must be fulfilled.
This desire to garden could be driven by my human instinct to nurture. I think any mom can relate to a bit of over-nurturing towards their kids, and caring for plants especially satisfied me as my little ones became teens. The plants keep us all happy: my kids, because it keeps me from being too overbearing, and me, because I can pour my energy and motherly inclinations into my leafy green babies.
Of course, I also must mention how great gardening is for your health. Gardening is great exercise and a productive means of exerting energy. Burning around 250-500 calories an hour (and fat for that matter), it's a great way to get rid of those few extra pounds we packed on last winter. My garden also provides stress relief and keeps me taking care of my mental health. When I feel the physical burn of a long session of gardening, I'm happy knowing that I am working towards producing something tangible in the end (besides a toned backside)!
Yes, flowers make the earth happy, but they make us happy too. Colorful, fragrant flowers and ripe fruits & vegetables reward even the not-so-good gardeners, sprinkling smiles in with the harvest. Give it a shot, and you too might discover that gardening is worth trying.
In Good Health,
Barb
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