more pleasant to come home to? Gardening! Have you ever noticed that some of
the calmest people are dedicated gardeners? Most of them don't have large
gardens, but they are committed to being outside in their "space" on a
regular basis.
Gardening is one of the best kept secrets around for a complete workout. I
hear you saying, "But, Cheryl, how does it work?" No expensive equipment
required. A hoe, a rake and a desire are mostly what are needed to start.
Thirty minutes and longer of continual gardening is equal to a good workout
at the gym. You will get in your aerobics, weight training, running, and
stretching.
Gardening, also, allows for a wonderful level of meditation which is like a
spa for your mind. Don't forget that being in the sunshine provides your
body with vitamin D and helps to maintain bone mass.
A couple of things to remember: Apply sunscreen and wear a hat and work
gloves. Bend from the knees when raking and lifting anything to reduce the
stress on your back. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. If you feel
tired, it's time to take a break and rest for awhile.
The first thing to do is to remove clutter, so anything that you really
don't need or want should be thrown out. Whether it's broken furniture,
brush piles, or dead plants, toss it! Now you can go in and begin raking
leaves, mowing the grass and hoeing around plants to break up the compacted
mulch. Once all of this is done, look around and decide what new plants you
can add this fall that will provide your garden with new spring color and
fragrance. For long growing season color look at plants such as the Double
Red Knockout Rose, Nishiki Willow and the new Incrediball Hydrangea and for
fragrance, why not add in some thyme, rosemary, chives or oregano, which
will also do double duty in recipes.
Take a portable radio or cd player outside with you and play your favorite
music while you are gardening. Nature provides its own music, but sometimes,
especially if you are new to gardening, the quiet might be awkward. So
adding the music is a good way to move into gardening comfortably.
Be cautious, though, taking up gardening and reducing clutter in your
landscape might create a chain reaction and before you know it, you'll be
reducing clutter in other aspects of your life. All of a sudden that corner
of the room filled with boxes of items you haven't seen in years, may find
itself remade into a relaxing reading area.
Gardening can be the beginning in helping to create a simpler, more
enjoyable lifestyle.
Don't forget to visit our Falltacular Sale Page for specially priced plants
on grower's surplus and close out items.
Until next time...Cheryl
