Plants Add Happiness

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My garden mug shot.

An Article Written by Carol Bale

When Lisa first asked me to participate in an article about my interests, joy and passion for gardening, I thought, "Oh my, how do I keep this article under a 1000 words, stay focused and not go on and on about all the things I love about gardening." So instead of writing about my physical gardens, my favorite plants, tools, seeds or how I care for flowers, shrubs and vegetables, I'm going to write about the less tangible items.

What I love the best about gardening and all that is associated with it, is the stress reduction, clarity of thinking, harmony and happiness it brings to me. Whether I'm planning a garden, working in the garden, tearing photos from magazines of my next best idea for the garden or just watching flowers emerge and vegetables develop, all of it brings me happiness. It is fun to do gardening at any level and to any degree. Sometimes people think I get a bit carried away….

Doesn't everyone "chat" with their flowers? I'm sure there are other gardeners that strap a light to their head when it's dark outside and go plant because they got home late from work and just started to get around to gardening at 9 PM. And I just know there are others who cut flowers while wearing their pajamas with a cup of their favorite coffee in tow………

I have been referred to as a "soil snob" in the most light hearted of ways of course. I really believe in doing all I can to improve my soil so every year I'm amending 2-3 gardens and always side dressing plants. I will be warm and sweaty with sore muscles, dirty hands and knees from working the soil and be so darn content afterwards that I can truly think clearer about something I need to address or resolve. We all know the feeling of true mental happiness and physical well being that follows doing an activity you truly enjoy.

Because gardening is what you make it and what you want it to be, gardening creates a sense of freedom for me based on the choices I've made. Gardening for me is also about experimenting and trial. Sometimes I have control over things when I garden and sometimes even with all my efforts, plants die. Now why is that? Because Mother Nature rules, sort of a reflection of life, higher powers are in charge of the outcomes though I did all the necessary things.

Finally, helping others to get started in gardening and learning from others brings as much joy and often laughter to me as my own endeavors. Gardening if you will is a state of being for me. When people ask "What are your plans for the weekend?" I often say, "I'm gardening." Gardening takes me to a place of great joy that makes me feel mentally and physically good while I continue to be amazed at the harmony I feel from all of my gardening efforts and ideas.