Benefits of Gardening

There's something about working in the garden that's refreshing and invigorating. I love getting my hands dirty, digging in the earth, planting new plants and creating something beautiful. I was recently flipping through an old 'Canadian Gardening' magazine and came across this *article on the benefits of gardening. So I thought I'd share the 5 points here:

1. A SERIOUS WORKOUT. Besides keeping your hands strong and nimble, digging holes, pulling weeds and carrying soil helps burn more than 250 calories an hour.

2. DIRT CAN MAKE US HEALTHIER. Research show that people, especially children, who are exposed to microbes found in dirt develop a better immune system, are less likely to develop environmental allergies, asthma and even some autoimmune diseases.


3. ROLLING IN DIRT COULD MAKE YOU HAPPIER. According to a paper released in April 2007 from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, certain bacteria (Mycobacterium vaccae) in soil may have the same effect as antidepressants, stimulating the release of the mood-enhancing chemical serotonin.



4. DOWN TO EARTH. Children who get close to nature-mixing soil or planting, for example-tend to have a more positive attitude towards the environment. Research shows they make better nutritional choices, have more self-esteem and achieve higher grades in science.


5. WHACKING WEEDS HELPS RELEASE AGGRESSION. It's better to get things off your chest in the garden rather than vent to colleagues or your loved ones.

*Article by Fina Scroppo in 2010 Canadian Gardening Magazine

Spring, Almost

                  
                   The sunshine gleams so bright and warm,
                   The sky is blue and clear.
                    I run outdoors without a coat,
                   And spring is almost here.
                   Then before I know it,
                   Small clouds have blown together,
                   Till the sun just can't get through them,
                   And again, it's mitten weather.
                                                     Anonymous

Peonies

Peonies are by far my favorite flower. They are so gorgeous. I have several plants in my garden and can't wait each year for them to bloom.

Just a couple more months!

I do wish they lasted longer than a few weeks, because they add so much beauty to my garden.

Their blooms have a very strong fragrance which is lovely outside, but I find a bit overpowering indoors. I love bringing cut flowers in the house though, so I do sneak some in once in awhile. :)

Here are a few of pictures from my garden:

My light pink peonies are in the middle of my side garden here in this photo:

My Beautiful One

My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away,

for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.

The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.
                                                                      Song of Songs 2:10-13

Pansies

It's coming to that time of year again when I plant my first annuals...Pansies! I can usually plant them in early March, so I'm counting the days till I can run down to our local nursery and pick some out!

They are such an easy flower to grow and are quite hardy. I love having them right by the front door for some beautiful spring color. All shades of purples and pinks are my favorites.
 
                                     Here are Some Beauties 

                                                     
                                     A Lovely Field of Pansies