Digging in the dirt

There's a lot to say about the benefits of gardening. I know, it's so un-rock 'n roll to say you like it, but to hell with judgment: I do. It's an excellent way to relieve stress, clear your head and relax. You do not need a Japanese garden to understand there is a lot of zen to gardening.

The rhubarb is growing incredibly fast now, the lettuce plants are doing well and the onions have (finally) been planted...

After all, growing a garden requires both an investment of time ànd attention. Planning the garden and then caring for it offers a simple and inexpensive way to unwind and relax, and refocus your attention on natural creation.

Another health related benefit of gardening is that you get some exercise (yep: the magic ingredient to weight loss :-) ). But also: it gets you outdoors, and exposes you to (hopefully healthy) natural air. And when, like us you choose to plant a vegetable garden, it's a good way of ensuring you have a supply of fresh (and in our case also ecologically grown and organic) vegetables and fruit. Not that we have a whole year's worth, but still... 

Not yet convinced? Okay: it's a great way to get your kids outdoors, and have some quality family moments. But do you know what in my view is the most important aspect of gardening? It forces you to learn the art of being patient. Unlike other activities, gardening does not produce instantaneous results: you will have to wait for your rewards. No instant gratification, but the pace of nature.

Perhaps all world leaders should be forced to grow their own gardens. I wonder if that wouldn't make them more human(e)?

Gardening ensures relaxing family moments in the great (well, small) outdoors...

Comments

[Le rasoir chantant]

What? You weren't sitting in front of your telly then? I thought you were a Tom Boonen fan? There are the good times, Serge, and the lesser times.

[Serge Cornelus]

Steven: you should know me better than that! I did not say I was in my garden all weekend long, did I? :-) Anyway, you're right: some you win, some you lose. But at least Boonen went down fighting. And Cancellara simply was the better man in the race. Even Boonen admitted that... Besides, I am not a Boonen fan to the extent of not wanting anyone else to win. I am a cycling fan in the first place. And Boonen? Well, let's say he's one of god's gifts to Belgian cycyling at the moment. But let's not forget there are others out there as well. I saw an excellent Hoste this weekend, for example (and good old Peet is still around too when he has to). We have some interesting years ahead...

[Irene]

Hmmm, gardening actually doesn't sound too bad at all, but I don't have a garden... But shopping works as well:) Good for your health with all the walking, and you get fresh air when walking from one shop to another.

[Serge Cornelus]

Shopping? Please don't talk to my wife about that... :-)

[Sam Smith]

Once I'm moved into Castle Smith I think I'll be cultivating a spot in the garden for my own little veggie patch. My Dad's got green fingers, I wonder if I've inherited them?

[Serge Cornelus]

Don't worry if you haven't. No one in my family line used to grow veggies, but I manage all the same. Trial and error, and the good old Nike slogan...