Monday, April 18, 2011

Why garden?

I have dedicated a lot of time this spring to thinking about gardening. And I have been tempted to ask myself:

Why?
Why garden?

I have never been too interested in gardening until this year. I don't even totally know why the sudden change. For my own sake, I am going to try to pinpoint a few reasons, though.
  • With the recent disasters in Japan, my husband and I have looked at each other and said, "Are we really prepared for what could happen?" The obvious answer was no, which is frightening. We both come from families that value the idea of self-reliance. I guess I'm thinking gardening falls into that category.
  • Having recently married, this summer will be the first time ever that I have my own yard to take care of. I don't know why its different and you suddenly care more when something is your own, but you do.
  • I love to eat. And this summer the grocery store will be 80 miles away. Yes, I just said 80 MILES.
  • Flowers are pretty. Need I say more?
  • My mom does it. And I really like my mom. She's cool. I want to be like her.
  • I have had a severe case of Spring Fever. Its true. Ask my doctor. And he said plants were the only cure.
  • I grew up on a ranch and we grew hay, too. Being outside and growing things is in my blood.
Here is some more food for thought from Paul McKenzie (a horticulture extension agent in North Carolina)

What about you? Why do you garden?

3 comments:

  1. Mostly for the end product, but I also find great satisfaction in the process...that is when the veggie plants look pretty and productive! There is something therapeutic about getting your hands in the dirt! Also, I grew up with a big garden which I avoided working in like the plague! I did the inside work while Mom did the garden. It somehow does make a difference when it is now YOUR yard and garden! Living in Park Valley with a hubby who also loved to garden helped me as well! Good luck, honey!

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  2. Also, our kids have lots of memories from gardening...perhaps not all good, but memories nonetheless! They must not be too bad, however, because the girls all garden )with different degrees of enjoyment). And Matt has and would more if time and space permitted. And last, but not least, the prophets have asked us to. That is reason enough for me! Love you tons!

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  3. Wendy, I know my mom sure missed gardening/canning with you after you left the valley. She tells us all the time how she thought she was going to die after you left :) What a wonderful sister you are to her - and aunt to me!
    And I agree, the prophet is reason enough!
    Love you too! (And thanks for your comments!)

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