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Why Do I Garden?

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By Paul Rodman (paulgrow)
March 8, 2007
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Views: 2,044

I’ve been asked that question many times in the 40 plus years that I’ve been gardening. Non gardeners don’t seem to understand what it is that attracts us to play in the soil and grow “things”.

Gardening pictureWhy do I garden? I garden because there's nothing better than being in the garden as the morning sun creeps over the horizon, the dew is on the leaves, and a lone cardinal calls out to its mate.

A red tailed hawk lands on a fence inches away from me, surveying the garden for its next meal.

It's about as close to nature as you can get. The only sound heard are the sounds of nature.

Why do I garden? There's nothing better than spotting the first ripe tomato of the season; picking it off the vine, wiping it on your sleeve and biting into it? almost heaven.

Why do I garden? What can beat picking a beautiful rose from your garden, putting it in a vase and delivering it to an elderly friend or neighbor? The smile on their face is priceless.

Why do I garden? Watching the amazement on the faces of a room full of second graders as the seeds they planted begin to germinate. Seeing the wonder in their eyes as they peer into a worm bin where they've deposited their apple cores and orange peels and seeing the dark brown compost that the red worms have created.

Why do I garden? I garden because there's nothing more rewarding than shaking the hand of a disadvantaged inter city resident, thanking me for helping them create a community garden on a vacant lot in their neighborhood. A garden which will supply them with fresh produce which otherwise they wouldn't be able to afford.

Why do I garden? I garden because of the pride I feel as a couple out for an evening stroll stops to admire my rose garden and telling me how beautiful it is.

Why do I garden? I garden because of the satisfaction that I feel when a cutting I've started begins to develop roots, after the 20 previous cuttings didn't root.

Why do I garden? Borrowing from Will Rogers, "I never met a gardener I didn't like" garden clubs, plant exchanges, master gardener groups. Doctors, lawyers, judges, factory workers people and places where gardens gather are places of giving and friendship. Gardeners are always willing to share their plants with you or to offer advice for a problem that you are having. Gardeners are a great bunch of people.

Why do I garden? With all the drugs out there today being touted a stress relievers, the garden is the safest most effective stress reliever there is. After a stressful day at work dive into the garden for an hour or two. Pull some weeds, deadhead some flowers. Within a short time your problems of the day will be forgotten.

These are some of the reasons that I like to create and nuture gardens.

How about you, why do YOU garden?


  About Paul Rodman  
Paul RodmanPaul Rodman has been gardening for over 40 years. He is an Advanced Master Gardener, and American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian. He is currently president of the Western Wayne County Master Gardener Association in Wayne County, Michigan.

Rodman is the garden columnist for The News Herald newspaper, in Southgate, Michigan. He has also written for the OrganicGardening.com web site.

He has lectured on various gardening topics throughout southeastern Michigan.

His favorite pastime is teaching children about gardening. For the past several years he has conducted classes for second grade students teaching them about subjects ranging from vermi-composting to propagation.

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Subject: And Me Too


Posted by tcfromky (from Mercer, PA) on January 29, 2007 at 7:57 PM:

Lots of the same reasons why I garden Paul.

Great article.

(That Jackmanni really brings out your color.)

...

Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on January 30, 2007 at 5:18 AM:

Wonderful list Paul. Thanks!

Dea

...

Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on January 30, 2007 at 7:33 AM:

Oh, and by the way.... Happy Birthday :)

...

Posted by GardenGuyKin (from Willamette Valley, OR) on January 30, 2007 at 8:37 PM:

It was a pleasure reading your reasoning for Gardening.
Great list Paul. I also enjoy the early morning hours in the Garden.

Kin

...

Posted by Kassia (from Framingham, MA) on February 1, 2007 at 12:09 AM:

I garden because it's a great way to be closer to God and His creation... also because it bring life's trials to a new perspective...

...

Posted by Jianhua (from Shangshui, Henan
(China)) on February 6, 2007 at 8:28 AM:

Good job, Paul.
What you have said seems to be
What I am going to say.
But here I'd like to add one more W for you:
Why do I garden?
Because it helps me warm up
In the long cold winter
In the up northland.
Jianhua

...

Posted by WantabeGardener (from Jerome, MI) on February 6, 2007 at 11:32 AM:

Yes, Paul...Gardening is great...and as Jianhua tells me often in our conversation ...Gardening is good for a elder like me. Heheh..you are not a elder yet..but..it keeps my DH...and I going. Digging in the dirt..smelling the clean air..is great..Keeps our hearts young . And helps for the winter blahs, to pass quickly.
I know..it makes you happy to share your knowledge too. It brings interest to the young kids today..

Smiles.. Diana

...

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