“children should be encouraged to play in the garden more and more to learn where food comes from”
Tuesday nights have rendered me quite envious of late as I’ve watched Monty Don travelling around the world in 80 gardens on the ABC. This wonderful programme explored stunning gardens, history and natural treasures. It’s just a pity it ended so quickly.
A few weeks ago when the Mediterranean was featured, what struck me most was the difference between how we generally approach our gardens compared to countries such as Italy and Spain. I’m not talking about gardening triumphs such as the Alhambra but the everyday gardens of everyday people there.
The main difference seemed to me (and I am generalising) to be these people embracing the core of their gardens. These gardens are ones from which their owners almost exclusively eat, live and celebrate. The garden sustains them as much as they tend it. These people have been growing heirloom vegetables without needing to be introduced to the slow food movement or reading books on forgotten varieties of tomatoes.
It seems to me there’s a notion that gardens can be made in a day or two and that gardens can be low or no maintenance. The reality is that a garden is not all pavers and pebbles but a living thing that needs to be nurtured, encouraged, tended and enjoyed.
Sadly gardeners are a dying breed. We rely so much on buying food from shops when even a tiny area devoted to vegies or a couple of fruit trees can reward you endlessly. Not to mention the joy gained from picking a bunch of flowers for yourself or someone special.
Gardening is wonderful for your health and fitness. It’s excellent weight bearing exercise and naturally has you moving and stretching in ways you mightn’t normally. My grandmother lived for her garden and worked in it up until the end of her life. Older people who garden are healthier, more active and enjoy both the work and the opportunities to share advice, knowledge and cuttings and to socialize in gardening clubs.
I think children should be encouraged to play in the garden more and to learn where food comes from. Many schools teach and practise revegetation and tree planting. Why not bring that home by giving your children or grandchildren a packet of seeds or some seedlings and introduce them to a lifetime of opportunities to feel the sense of fulfilment that comes from eating something you’ve grown or the chance to give something you’ve grown to someone else.
For Consultation - restoration, maintenance and design -
Stirling Horticultural Services
Phone: 0408 034 570
E: stirlingsm@hotmail.com
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