I just came across an interesting senior level business class college study. Using a total of 7 research methods, they concluded reasons why folks just don’t bother to engage in this valuable life changing activity. No matter what your age, I am of the belief that gardening activity can provide many life changing benefits for “what ails you” in today’s life. It wont make life challenges disappear, but it can surely give you the spirit mind and body fortitude you need to manage them daily. And for our children in this technology driven age, getting your hands dirty along with the sensory experiences can lead to healthier bodies, functional reasoning and compassion and care outside of self.
As we usher in the 2014 season of gardening here in the North Country, I will be dedicating my next few posts to the gardening why, what and how for our region. So let’s explore the reasons why folks say they “can’t” garden and allow me to examine and provide unique, functional solutions for them all 🙂
As with most things in our culture today 60% of respondents to this study indicate “lack of time” their biggest challenge for NOT gardening. Let’s just use that excuse for everything in life and we might as well hand out a business card to that effect. Hmm, as we are finding out every day…time is time…it is what you choose to do with it that makes you who you are. There was a reason the phrase “stop and smell the roses” can into being. Don’t miss an opportunity to become more than a shallow time Giffer in your life. Give back to the earth and your community as a steward in your own backyard. (remember baby steps).
Another reason documented in the study is that consumers lack the knowledge and information to pursue this activity. They also cite a “misinterpretation of what gardening is”. Sorry but lack of knowledge excuse is just not valid in today’s age of the information highway. Granted one must “discern” the influx of information carefully..but information not available….. Hogwash! I do however buy the excuse that the definition of gardening may be unclear. Yes it can be like sitting in the wrong lecture room in college where the professor is spitting out all kinds of technical jargon. Many “knowledgeable folks tend to use that as their badge of gardening superiority while missing the basic functional tenets. I don’t need to recite all the Latin names of the plants to garden! My garden mantra: Engage, Educate Enjoy!
The final top reason why people do not garden was cited as space constraints. OK, perhaps I would have bought that a few years ago, but so many wonderful products, ideas and upcycling trends have made this point moot! Urban gardening has a phenomenal following. Companies have invested much in their design and material to reach this market. Want to see gardening for kids come to be in an urbanized setting locally within the next few weeks? Check out our “Bringing Nature to the City” Go Green Community build project the end of this month at the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center. I learned several years ago the value and application of this through the lead horticulturalist at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. It can be done and done well.
Hope I have your attention now. Stay tuned over the next few posts and I will offer some straight forward, functional solutions for all these “I can’t” reasons.
