Gardening has been an endearing task for patient lovers of the great outdoors. No matter where you live, in a house or in a condo, gardening improves one’s health and creates a better life and a greater world.
Gardens come in many shapes and sizes and can be adapted to fit your space, whether it is outdoor or indoor. From container kitchen gardens on a balcony, or colourful and welcoming flower beds, to vegetable gardens to provide fresh vegetables on your table, gardens contribute to the enjoyment of life.
Reasons to Garden
For safe and healthy food – Start your own garden and know the food you are eating is fresh and organic, free from additives and preservatives.
For exercise – Studies show that gardening activities provide both cardio and aerobic exercise. Mowing the grass, bending and stretching to plant, digging the dirt and hauling plants are examples that can burn up to 300-400 calories.
To add beauty – A home can be made more inviting and welcoming by simply adding a container of colourful flowers or having herbs grow in the kitchen.
To learn about plants and gardening – Gardening teaches one patience, improves focus and enhances memory. By having a home garden, one can learn many things such as types of plants, how to keep it healthy, insects, diseases and pollinators.
To make money – For some, the love of plants can lead to a rewarding job at a local garden center or owning a business. A garden can be a source of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and other crops that can be sold at local farmer's markets and roadside stands.
To be creative – Gardening provides an outlet for creative and artistic expression. A garden’s design can reflect a personal sense of style.
For emotional needs and spiritual connections – The beauty of flowers can lift spirits, pulling weeds can be a great release for stress and excess energy and a harvest of flowers or vegetables provides a sense of achievement and feelings of success.
For lasting memories – Gardening is a fun activity that can be shared with children and grandchildren – for example, cutting a bouquet of flowers for their mom, or tasting the sweetness of a cherry tomato right from the plant. A garden also provides a beautiful way to remember a special person or time of life.
If you are a proud gardener and would like to share your beautiful garden, you may partake in Small Farm Canada’s first-ever photo competition – Farmers Love Gardening. You can enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card to West Coast Seeds. To learn more, visit here.
Year of the Garden 2022
The Canadian Garden Council proclaimed 2022 as Canada’s Year of the Garden. The goal of this year is to inspire and inform Canadians about the many health benefits and well-being, economic, and environmental benefits gardens and gardening provides, while providing tips and tricks for gardening success. To learn more, visit here.
April is Lawn and Garden Month and there are lots of great ways to celebrate. Click here to see some ideas.