Magazine Posts

I feel tree roots
beneath my toes,
as I stumble on those,
trying not to fall,
for if I do,
it will be hard
to get up,
for me not for you.

The bloom of the Rose
is gone, not here any more.
No more the color,
only the dryness; the remains
of what was a beautiful,
example in this garden, ours.

The wind gusts against tree and limb,
rattling the leaves; creating a din.
Small, dead branches fall without sound,
amongst the Maple leaves covering the ground.
Break out the rakes, for a short while.
Start raking those leaves into a pile.
Pick up all leaves, at the scene,
to get a jump on this Fall scene.

If a Rose is a Rose,
what do you suppose,
is the plant by my toes?
It was pretty, once
and went away.
The foliage, not much.
Just want to say,
will it grow anew?
This I will pray
it will come again
on a new Spring day.

The wandering flower,
a marauding vine,
may produce soon
a very tasty wine.
Nothing like a
cluster of grape,
to have eyes see
with my mouth agape.

Out of our window,
I see the street is wet.
A passing shower,
Is OK with me
For it brings water
To keep the earth moist,
While keeping our water bill,
Much lower, of course.
The fresh smell of air,
Cleansed, for a while
Is a relief for this
Tired man, who now smiles.

A garden child, I am,
as I sit here,
amongst the green
a most pretty scene.

He stays hidden, in the plants.
I will find him waiting there
with his patience; he has plenty.
He waits there, he won't roam,
for he is a most faithful
the silent garden gnome

I am uncertain
as to what's going on,
for part of my Dahlias,
lie broken on the ground.
A dog or raccoon
or something quite big,
has walked through my garden,
like a clumsy, old pig,
with Salvia branches,
broken pieces and twigs.

Oh such a sight.
A feast for our eyes,
When the flowers are abloom,
In the Spring surprise.
The Daffodils and Tulips,
Have all gone away.
Other foliage has turned
To a brown looking mess.
Perennials, jump into play
And continue to brighten,
This dreary Spring day.

The early sunlight,
wafts through the leaves
of the large Maple tree.
The Wind is blowing,
that is clear to me
as the Garden Spinners
spin merrily.
A rabbit comes by
for an early morning snack.
"Leave my flowers alone,"
I now say to he,
for when you eat them,
there'll be no flowers to see.

Home gardening has taken root and spread across the nation. In a world without theaters, sports events, concerts, and theme parks, tending a garden is the perfect home-based activity for all ages. Whether you’re a furloughed worker, a parent with small children, or a housebound senior, gardening can benefit your body, mind, and soul.

With temperatures getting milder and days getting longer, now is the ideal time to start. And it’s a great way to support local businesses, with garden centers deemed as “essential” by most states. Whether you’re a farmer or a florist at heart, nursery staff are happy to advise what to plant in your local climate and conditions.

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of gardening is getting us outside at a time when we’re all feeling cooped up indoors. Gardening promotes physical health by exposing us to fresh air, sunlight, and a healthy dose of vitamin D. Weeding, digging, and planting burns calories and strengthens the heart; in fact, the CDC says that one hour of gardening can burn 330 calories. The activities of gardening provide a whole-body workout, by using many different muscles and increasing strength, flexibility, and stamina—all without a gym membership.

Case studies show that gardening also improves our mental outlook, by reconnecting us with nature and providing a respite from the challenges of everyday life. The predictable rhythms of gardening can be comforting in uncertain times, and green environments can decrease levels of cortisol, the hormone linked to stress. In turn, gardening activities prompt the release of endorphins, the hormones that help us feel relaxed and content. And inhaling the healthy soil bacteria M. vaccae can increase serotonin, known as the “happiness hormone”—giving a whole new meaning to “a breath of fresh air”!

If that’s not enough to get you digging, consider that gardening rewards us for our efforts, whether it’s the beauty of flowers, the symmetry of a manicured hedge, or the bounty of fresh produce. As the old saying goes, “Gardening is cheaper than therapy—and you get tomatoes.”

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, gardening fosters a sense of faith in the future. Indeed, planting a seed or a sapling is a hopeful thing to do. And what better time for hope?