Grateful gardening or gratitude for the garden
As we round out the Thanksgiving week, I’ve been thinking about what brings me comfort and what I am grateful for. My family and friends top the list, but when it comes to where I feel most at peace, it is most certainly the garden. So, this year, the day before Thanksgiving I took a stroll through a neighborhood garden and gave thanks for the many benefits it provides. Here are five of the many things I am grateful for in the garden:
Seasons
I love how walking through a garden will be a different experience with each season. There is a certain rhythm to the garden, and I am grateful to the changing seasons that allow us to try new things and shift in new directions. I’m most grateful for the mild winters we have here in North Central Florida that allow us another window to grow crops. It always seems to feel like an extra bonus growing season, especially after we’ve endured the heat and humidity of summer.
Native plants
I appreciate all plants, but I have a special place in my heart for native ones. When I look at these plants, I don’t just see a flower or leaf, I see how they are a part of the natural system — a uniquely shaped piece in the ecosystem puzzle where every part of the plant has been shaped by the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Each native plant has a story to tell — the story of that place. Including native plants into your garden brings that story to your space while providing sources of food and habitat for wildlife.
Beneficial insects
I am ever so grateful for the small but mighty creatures that are essential to our garden ecosystems. These behind-the-scenes workers help pollinate plants, control pests, break down organic matter and much more. Since there are so many more beneficial insect species that harmful ones, getting to know and understand the insects that live in your landscape can help you build a more bountiful and resilient garden.
Sustainable landscapes
Gardens are human creations, but that doesn’t mean they have to be separate from nature. I am deeply thankful for the landscapes that conserve and protect valuable natural resources and wildlife. These places are not only beautiful to walk through but also provide a way to experience nature and connect to the larger natural areas around you. Help your garden become more resilient and environmentally-sustainable by incorporating Friendly-Florida Landscaping practices.
Gardening community
Lastly, but certainly not least, I am so appreciative of my gardening community. The people who I can share my joy of all things plants and partake in my admiration for an intricately shaped leaf or beautifully colored flower. These same folks will generously share seeds or cuttings of their favorite plants, along with helpful growing tidbits and thoughtful advice. Especially in a year that has been filled with so much uncertainty, I am thankful to my gardening friends where I have found solace and support in our mutual desire
During these challenging, isolating times, a sense of community is more important than ever. Thank goodness for community gardens where those with no garden space to call their own can have a small plot at the community garden to grow that massive patch of zucchini, share divided iris bulbs, and commiserate over the invading voles
To learn more about managing your Florida landscape, reach out to UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County’s office to speak with a Master Gardener Volunteer at 352-955-2402 or mag@alachuacounty.us or visit Alachua County’s Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program webpage at https://bit.ly/AlachuaFFL.
— Dr. Cynthia Nazario-Leary is the Environmental & Community Horticulture Extension Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County. Contact her at cnazarioleary@ufl.edu or 352-955-2402.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Nazario-Leary: Grateful gardening or gratitude for the garden
