10 Reasons to be Grateful for the Garden
There's something magical about tending to a garden, whether it's a modest backyard plot or a vast, vibrant field. For me, gardening isn't just a passion; it's a source of joy and well-being. In this blog post, I want to share why I am grateful for this hobby/career filled with beauty, giving back to the Earth and others, as well as myself.
I can mother something that doesn’t talk back.
One of my mother-in-laws and I on a garden tour.
My mother-in-law, always says, “You know why women love to garden? It’s because it gives them something to mother.” The act of nurturing plants, digging in the soil, and watching life bloom from tiny seeds is undeniably therapeutic. And she’s so right, motherhood is one of the biggest blessings that we get as women. It’s in our nature to nurture and love on something. And plants generally don’t talk back which is an added bonus! It's a mindful practice that helps clear the clutter from my mind since I often can’t in my home. Just as the flowers grow, so does a sense of peace and tranquility within us.
2. It helps me stay fit without having to step foot in a gym.
Bags of compost and mulch are my weights!
I love getting exercise without driving anywhere. Being at home and getting a workout is a major benefit of gardening for me. Gardening is an excellent way to stay active. The physical exertion involved in planting, weeding, and tending to your garden beds can provide a solid workout. You'll find that you're not only improving your physical strength but also increasing your endurance.
Additionally, the simple act of being outdoors and basking in the sunlight can boost your mood and provide a natural source of Vitamin D. It's a great way to soak up the benefits of the great outdoors.
3. It’s my chill pill when I’m grumpy or overwhelmed.
Aubree taking it all in…the peace & Vitamin D.
One of the most profound benefits of gardening is its impact on mental health. Gardening has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The process of caring for your plants, watching them grow, and experiencing the beauty of your garden can bring immense joy.
When I am feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, taking a garden walk, even if it’s a brief five minutes, allows me to press the reset button on my day. It offers solace when I need it and a sense of accomplishment and confidence boost too.
4. You’ve got a friend in me.
I am grateful that gardening creates community and that Ashland, VA offers so many opportunities to find it.
Gardening doesn't have to be a solitary activity. In fact, it can be quite social. Engaging with fellow gardeners, sharing tips and stories, and participating in community gardening projects can foster a sense of belonging and connection. There’s an instant connection when you find plant people.
The joy of sharing your garden's beauty with others and contributing to your community is immeasurable. That’s why I am joining the Hanover Master Gardener’s program this January. This community of people has a passion for gardening like no other, they like to share that passion for good by helping others, and there is a sense of comradery within the group as well. You’ll be hearing more about the Master Gardener’s program next year when I start their intense training. I’m beyond excited about it.
While this program is very involved, you can find your people with many other groups around town. Your local Garden Club of Virginia, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden volunteers, Ashland Community Preschool (where I learned I liked plants in the first place), or just the RVA Gardening Club Facebook group can be fun. Your people are everywhere even in places that may be unexpected. I am so thankful for you and my other Flower Friends!
5. I get to love my mother [Earth].
Saving eggshells is one easy step to being more sustainable. Ask me how to use them.
Gardening can also be a way to contribute to a healthier planet. Embracing sustainable gardening practices, such as composting, water conservation, and avoiding harmful pesticides, can make a positive impact on the environment. You're not only nurturing your garden but also nurturing the Earth which is a benefit to be grateful for.
Please email me and let me know, what you are interested in learning more about.
6. The seasons come, the seasons go.
I’m grateful to live in Virginia where I get to experience all four seasons.
Gardening allows us to become attuned to the natural rhythms of the seasons. It's a constant reminder of the cyclical nature of life, as we witness plants sprouting in spring, flourishing in summer, shedding leaves in autumn, and resting in winter. This connection with the changing seasons can deepen our appreciation for the beauty and impermanence of life.
7. There’s joy in lovin’ on the pollinators.
I am grateful for the hummingbird moth that visited my garden. I had never seen or heard of these before this year (bottom right).
Gardens filled with a variety of flowers contribute to biodiversity and help support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By creating a welcoming environment for these essential creatures, we not only enhance the health of our local ecosystem but also play a role in food production through pollination. Gardening becomes a way to give back to the natural world.
8. Gardening together convinces the kids to eat their veggies.
Our girls really enjoy growing food. I’m grateful they will usually try that food too!
If your garden includes vegetables or herbs, you're not only creating beauty but also nourishing your body with fresh, organic produce. There's something truly rewarding about harvesting your own food. I don’t find growing fruits and vegetables particularly easy, but it is fun to grow what you eat and the kids really like getting involved in it too. Some good starter crops are bush green beans, tomatoes, garlic, and most herbs. I’d stay away from anything in the squash family if you are new to gardening. They aren’t hard to grow, but the pest pressure can be overwhelming (for me at least).
9. Personal Growth and Learning
Frosty flowers end the season and teach me that even death can be beautiful.
Gardening is a continuous learning process. It encourages you to acquire new skills, develop patience, and adapt to challenges. It's a journey of personal growth, teaching you to appreciate the cycles of life and the beauty of resilience. Just this morning (November 2), I teared up because I have enjoyed watching bees sleep in my dahlia patch. We had our first hard frost. I went to see the beautiful icy blooms and found the sleeping bees curled up lifeless in their petal beds. I had to be reminded that that is the life of a bee, particularly the males. So I thanked the bees for the joy they gave me and I thanked them for the flowers and next years bees that will live on because of them. Thank you, bees!
10. An the most obvious reason….the beauty of flowers.
The number 10 reason that I am grateful for the garden is incredibly obvious… the beauty of the flowers. As a flower farmer, I'm particularly grateful for perennials like peonies and hydrangeas. These enduring beauties require minimal maintenance and reward us with their splendid blooms year after year. They're a testament to nature's artistry and resilience. Something I think we can all be reminded of at times. This life is full of beauty.
I am profoundly grateful for the garden and the fact that it continues to bring you and me together. You are beautiful, Flower Friends. I am thankful for YOU! Flowers and so many of you have brought immense well-being and joy into my life. The health benefits of gardening extend far beyond the physical realm; they touch the heart and soul. As you nurture your own garden, you, too, may discover the profound beauty and serenity it offers.
So, get your hands in the soil, tend to your plants, savor the magic of your garden, and maybe share a flower or a vegetable or two with a friend or neighbor. I promise you won't just grow flowers; you'll grow a healthier, happier you.
Keep Blooming,
Nicole Dillon, Breemar Flower Farm
