Major snow storm in March?  Unlikely, but true.  We made up for a whole season of snow in little over a month.  In fact, we had no measurable snow events in November, December or January.  It was all packed into February & March.  Strange, but true, and now, we are officially out of the drought.  When the snow melts, it will bring over an inch of moisture to our parched farms and gardens.   What a great segue way into Spring, which is only two weeks away.

I know many of you are chomping at the bit, waiting for Winter’s grasp to loosen and relent, days are growing longer, the sun’s rays are stronger, and we can finally get out of the house and do something.  If you’ve never gardened before or are thinking of ditching the hobby, consider/reconsider the following reasons to garden:

Exercise

Gardening activities provide both cardio and aerobic exercise.  An hour of moderate gardening can burn up to 300 calories, and best of all, it’s free!

Healthy/Safe Food Supply

You’ll know exactly what’s in your food when you grow and harvest it yourself. 

Beautification

This goes without saying.  A garden enhances any outdoor setting.  Even a planter filled with colorful flowers can brighten a patio, stoop or deck.  Trees and shrubs provide shade and privacy and shelter for birds and wildlife.

Learn Something New

Gardening not only exercises your body, but it can exercise your mind too.  Learn how to garden through trial and error, pick up a book and feed your brain.  The more you know, the more you’ll want to learn.

Earn Money

The love of plants and gardening can lead to a new career at a garden center or landscape company.  Flowers, vegetables and herbs can be sold at a local farmer’s market.

Meet People

People who garden love to share their passion and knowledge with others.  Meet like-minded individuals through a garden club, share surplus plants with a neighbor,  start a community garden.

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

Express yourself through gardening.  Try something new each season.  You are only limited by your imagination.

Emotionally Sound

Gardens can serve as a tranquil retreat.  Some people feel gardening is therapeutic and can certainly be a stress reliever. Gardening has been proven to boost self-esteem and confidence.

Why do you like garden?  We’d love to know.

“Gardening is cheaper than therapy, and you get tomatoes.”

– Author Unknown

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney