What Gardening for Nature Teaches Me
Everything's idea of a perfect house is not the same.
I've been gardening for a very long time now, and although many people consider me to be an "expert" I still think of my time in the gardens as new experiences. Each time a garden is visited, something has changed, no matter if it's been 1 hour, 1 day or 1 season since I've been there. Gardens and nature are so alive and although some might think they're stagnant or boring without their pretty blooms I relish seeing them for all they give to us. Thinking about this, I've asked myself "What does Gardening for Nature Teach Me?" There are so many things, but I think the images below give you the best answers:
All visitors are welcome, even the scary ones. By learning about them,
they are seen for what wonderful benefits they bring to the gardens.
That just like humans, all living beings are so dependent on
clean, fresh water for drinking, cleaning and health.
That gardens and yards can be beautiful without using artificial fertilizers,
herbicides or pesticides, and that nature takes great care of itself.
That clean, fresh air should be a right for all living things,
people, plants, insects, animals and the planet.
That native plants as well as ornamentals provide food for pollinators
at the same time as being beautiful in the gardens.
That choosing the right plant for the right place means
less water used, no fertilizer needed, and strong
healthy plants for the gardens.
That Mother Nature teaches her children well, showing them
how to recycle, reuse and repurpose. We can learn so much
just by observing.
That creating places to grow doesn't mean we have to plant in rows,
as this Vegetable Garden at one of
my client's house shows so beautifully.
That nature is beautiful in all stages of it's life,
even when it's returning to the earth.
That so many events in nature are fleeting, so we are
privileged to experience them. Enjoy each and every one!
That I love being out in nature and teaching others how to garden.
I wouldn't give this opportunity up for anything!
Nicely put, Kathy. I'm not even close to being an expert...no landscaping design expertise here! Like you, though, I live and learn as I go. I have learned a few things from the mistakes I've made along the way,and basically I just want to have fun. I'd still love to hire you though;-)
ReplyDeleteI was unable to get to the post office today as my son was home from school sick. Will get the cards out by the weekend!
Hi Kathy, you are very right! I hope many people in your part of the world are just like you in principles and practice, the climate change negotiators say it is the advance-rich countries who, despite their bigger contribution in CO2 emissions dont want to change ways, standard of living or minimized greenhouse gasses. If only all the people of the planet are like us garden bloggers, our earth will always be a wonderful place to live.
ReplyDeleteoh Kathy, I really loved this post....you encompassed all the reasons why I, too, love to be a garden coach and help inspire those who share our need to protect the wonderful wildlife we share the planet with...yes, even the spiders :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, you've put me in a great frame of mind to tackle the day ahead!
Lovely, Kathy.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful reminders, Kathy! Beautiful photos, couples with beautiful thoughts. I love this.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. Beautiful pics, thoughts and words! Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteA beautifully written post, Kathy! Simply said, but filled with gardening for wildlife wisdom...gail
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I've only just started learning, but there's nothing quite like a garden to awaken the senses and sensibilities about our responsibility to the planet. Wonderful words, beautiful photos ... I so enjoyed the read!
ReplyDeleteI, too, enjoy the never ending opportunities for observation and learning that gardening provides.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful synopsis here ---your photos & words would make a lovely calendar or....?
Wow Kathy!!!..this is the most beautifully-inspiring nature /garden post I have read in a loooong while!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous..awe-inspiring...powerful and timeless...you are amazing..thanks for sharing this powerful gem! It embodies such peace and harmony..and we are such kindreds!!
Kiki~
Well said, Kathy! I particularly loved the thought about 'not planting in rows.' Half the fun of gardening (for me) is to abandon the rules and create something brand new...
ReplyDeleteI like this post! It is really interesting to see a garden in a another part of the world, but your thoughts about gardening are much like my own. kram Sophia
ReplyDeleteA lovely post, Kathy. I so enjoy watching the transformation of the landscape through the seasons. What a lovely vegetable garden! Beautiful photographs, too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful words, thank you for sharing them. Those who garden for wildlife can all understand each lesson, and each is a small personal discovery.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I love the pictures and the captions you've added about the beauty of gardening for nature. By the way, I love your client's garden. It's just breathtaking. Thank you very much for sharing this very inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos and your thoughts are so wise!
ReplyDeleteHave a loving Valentine's!/Anja
Wonderful post and wonderful life Kathy! Thank you too for you important post over at Wildlife Gardens!
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