Have you noticed an uptick in people and their families pursuing gardening? Seed vendors have been sold out of many vegetable and flower seeds. Garden gloves, tools, pots and growing supplies are in short supply on store shelves. My greenhouse friend says he has been swamped (so glad to hear a local small business tell me that right now) during abbreviated operating hours. Has this time of “pause” helped many discover the hidden treasures of gardening?
I have always believed that there are garden hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Getting your hands dirty and engaging in productive work gives us value. We become a person of value doing it. The beautiful/bountiful outcomes of our work with nature feed spirit, mind and body. So many of our everyday freedoms were taken away during these past three months waging war against this COVID Virus. You can take some of that freedom back out in your garden.
Idle hands and bodies not able to go to work each day can find strength and reward in manual tasks outdoors. Fresh air and sun feed our bodies for health and vitality. Children not able to attend school can learn and grow with gardening activity. A healthy appreciation for nature can be forged with children away from their tech screens.
Families now spending more time together can share garden experiences. It becomes a “family affair” planting, tending to and just enjoying the seasons of the garden. Colors, textures, scents and visiting pollinators are all hidden treasures children and families can uncover in gardening. My 3 year old granddaughter has developed great observation skills during our weekly garden walks. She is able to recognize garden changes, colors, shapes and take notice of the butterflies returning for the season. The gardens have been great conversation starters. Her words and sentences have blossomed along with the season of the garden. My little gardener and I have forged a close relationship in Grandmom’s gardens.
So if the empty store gardening supply shelves and garden center crowds are any indication, it would appear people are uncovering gardens many hidden treasures. Hopefully this sudden interest will turn into a lifelong appreciation of gardening. You can check out some of my previous blogs to see what might give you inspiration to garden this season. I have uncovered many garden hidden treasures with discussions of kid friendly, small space, and all season gardening along with pollinator friendly tips.
As always keeping common sense and sustainability in all my garden practices. http://gardengoddesssenseandsustainability.com
