Why do I garden? Because of how gardening makes me feel first and foremost. Running my fingers through the soil, watching a bumblebee flutter by, smelling the roses as the sun kisses them in the morning, biting into a ripe strawberry – gardening grounds me and centers me on an existential level.
Gardening is a way to practice mindfulness in a busy life. To be present and patient. To be reminded of the potential that lies within a single seed.
Gardening is a creative outlet. I build, mold, edit, and color with living plants. And my materials respond to my actions.
I love cooking for my family and friends. When I can harvest our favorite vegetables minutes before prepping and serving, the taste is guaranteed to be at its best. I also find that the kids eat more greens when they help to grow them.
The entire seed-to-table and homegrown pantry lifestyle agrees with me. To be as self-sufficient as possible and reduce the transport footprint of our food.
Gardening provides me with fresh air, sunshine, and physical exercise. I’d much rather get my workout in the garden than at the gym. The hard labor I put in each spring to establish a new section is at times back-breaking. But I love it! Because I can see the immediate results of my effort. The new beds taking shape. The vision I’ve been nurturing throughout the winter coming to life.