Play In The Dirt
It’s that time of year again, rolling up my sleeves to play in the dirt. For a gardener, winter seems like an eternity, but spring is here, and I’m ready, as the photos in this post prove.
As much as I would love to own a farm, backyard, or any patch of green space, and be working in a garden that’s part of Mother Earth, I am content with flower boxes, which sit outside in my recessed windowsills, as well as a variety of flowerpots on my fire escape, filled with flowers from my many trips to the Farmers’ Market in Waverly. Additional touches to make my garden complete – hanging baskets and bird feeders, particularly those that will attract one of my favorites, the humming bird.
I also enjoy helping friends, which is what I did this past weekend, lending a hand to a special friend beautifying her lovely terrace in the heart of Tuscany-Canterbury. This is my third year, and it’s something I look forward to for many reasons. The conversations are always wonderful, with both sharing tips and creative styles. Most of all, there’s laughter, and it’s a real team effort.
This year we are growing herbs, vegetables and flowers (zinnias, sunflowers, and morning glories) from seed. We are using citrus peels (oranges) to start our sunflower seedlings. The best part about this great smelling idea is the peel can get planted along with the seedling. No muss, no fuss! More than anything, I just like the way they look.
I’ve enjoyed many types of gardens over the years – indoor, water, herb, patio, vegetable, wildflower and container – and theme gardens that attract butterflies, birds and other wildlife. One of my favorites is an English garden, but that requires more space, more time and a bigger commitment. Still, I am content with what I have, because for me the experience of gardening is about the exercise, arranging, fragrance of the flowers, and sitting back after all the hard work is done to feast my eyes on beautiful colors.
Gardening in any capacity is a soothing hobby. It reduces stress, and isn’t that purpose enough? There are many more important reasons. It gives you an opportunity to be outdoors enjoying the fresh air, which will aid in your ability to absorb vitamin D to help build strong bones. It provides exercise for your upper body, too.
There are some of us who naturally have a green thumb. I’m lucky to be one of those people. With a little reading, understanding, time and commitment you can also acquire a green thumb. For those reluctant gardeners, you are part of the gardening process, too. We need you to survey our work and inspire us with your compliments. To gardeners everywhere, I wish you the greenest of thumbs. – paerki
As much as I would love to own a farm, backyard, or any patch of green space, and be working in a garden that’s part of Mother Earth, I am content with flower boxes, which sit outside in my recessed windowsills, as well as a variety of flowerpots on my fire escape, filled with flowers from my many trips to the Farmers’ Market in Waverly. Additional touches to make my garden complete – hanging baskets and bird feeders, particularly those that will attract one of my favorites, the humming bird.
I also enjoy helping friends, which is what I did this past weekend, lending a hand to a special friend beautifying her lovely terrace in the heart of Tuscany-Canterbury. This is my third year, and it’s something I look forward to for many reasons. The conversations are always wonderful, with both sharing tips and creative styles. Most of all, there’s laughter, and it’s a real team effort.
This year we are growing herbs, vegetables and flowers (zinnias, sunflowers, and morning glories) from seed. We are using citrus peels (oranges) to start our sunflower seedlings. The best part about this great smelling idea is the peel can get planted along with the seedling. No muss, no fuss! More than anything, I just like the way they look.
I’ve enjoyed many types of gardens over the years – indoor, water, herb, patio, vegetable, wildflower and container – and theme gardens that attract butterflies, birds and other wildlife. One of my favorites is an English garden, but that requires more space, more time and a bigger commitment. Still, I am content with what I have, because for me the experience of gardening is about the exercise, arranging, fragrance of the flowers, and sitting back after all the hard work is done to feast my eyes on beautiful colors.
Gardening in any capacity is a soothing hobby. It reduces stress, and isn’t that purpose enough? There are many more important reasons. It gives you an opportunity to be outdoors enjoying the fresh air, which will aid in your ability to absorb vitamin D to help build strong bones. It provides exercise for your upper body, too.
There are some of us who naturally have a green thumb. I’m lucky to be one of those people. With a little reading, understanding, time and commitment you can also acquire a green thumb. For those reluctant gardeners, you are part of the gardening process, too. We need you to survey our work and inspire us with your compliments. To gardeners everywhere, I wish you the greenest of thumbs. – paerki
