Is there anything that makes you forget everything? That makes you miss the time track; not for seconds or minutes but by hours! Something that steals you from yourself. Which makes you happy, no matter what. Something that you can do all alone, with no time boundaries, on repetitive modes and still feeling passionate about it, want more of it and crave for it.
Answer yourself in one word. DONE. Good. My word is- Gardening. What’s your? Or are you still searching for it?
How and when it imbibed in my thoughts and actions is still a question but I am happy that it did.
Have you ever noticed what gardening can offer you? If not yet, do it now. I know so many reasons to love gardening, you can add in the list.
1. RECONNECT WITH NATURE:
We all love nature and travel kilometers to spend time with nature, loved ones and ourselves. What if we create that aura at home? Won’t you feel electrified and at peace on same time; sipping your tea in balcony/garden full of plants with chirping?
2. STRESS BUSTER:
You already know it. Don’t you? Plants spread positivity. They relax you by sight, smell, taste and touch. A new leaf, flower, bud or offshoot; all bring smile to your face. And every smile matters.
3. COMPANIONS WITHOUT CONDITIONS:
You are at home; your nest; the most comfortable zone you can ever have. You can spend as much time as you want, whenever you want and everyday. Even if you don’t show up for a day or two, plants don’t mind.
4. COST EFFECTIVE:
Gardening fits in every budget. You can start with Rs 0 to as per your affordability. You read it right; Rs 0. That happens when someone gifts you a plant, you get a stem left after pruning from garden/neighbors/friends/workplace/nursery visit and put it in soil. Also, there are government nurseries that sell plants as low as Rs 3 and onwards. Can you believe that? Well, you have to. Still in doubt, ask me the address (if you are a Jaipurite).
5. INCULCATING VALUES AND PRACTICAL TEACHING:
We all want to infuse good values in our next generation. It’s best done with actions and least with words. Gardening allows you to spend quality time with kids. Together you can saw seeds, propagate via stems/leaves, let them water, ask them to observe and maintain a diary (if possible). Let kids ask themselves and then explain in detail. It might be insignificant for you but it’s a MIRACLE for them. These lessons and respect for nature will seep deep down in their actions.
6. SCOPE FOR CREATIVITY:
It can be done with pots, plants, their positions and various formations to make the space more lively, fresh and delighted. As far as possible, buy earthen pots. They are ecofriendly, economical, made by local people for living (indirectly, you will help them), excellent for plants and available in various size and shapes. All you need is a brush and paints. Do it with kids/friends/partner or alone. It will add life to moments and memories in mind that will be cherished forever. Also, emotional bond with plants will increase.
7. NO EXTRA SPACE NEEDED:
Have you ever come across the statements like “I also love gardening but cann’t do it in rented house due to lack of space. Moreover, who will shift those pots? As soon as I will own a house, I’ll start gardening for sure”. I did. I just have some queries. Don’t you plan kids before owing a house? Don’t you buy a pet in rented home? Have you limited your wardrobe or furniture due to lack of space? The one who will shift the fragile electronic items and heavy almiras, won’t mind picking some light pots. If you really are passionate about gardening, space is not a limitation, it never was.
I do agree that ground and open space availability is irreplaceable but that’s not the end. There are ‘N’ number of indoor and low maintenance plants available in market that you can put on your study table, kitchen slab, bathroom rack, TV trolley, bookshelf, windows or anything that has a small flat surface.
If that is even a problem, use balcony railing/ staircase railing, corners, pillars, iron roads and angles or vertical gardening.
Still not convinced, plant a tree in garden and take care of it. And even if that is not feasible, just participate in various tree plantation programs, get motivated and the rethink to start it at home. In short, stop procrastinating and start acting NOW.
8. BEST GIFT OPTION:
May I ask you that one question, which has been asked repeatedly unless you started hating it? Probably, I haven’t hated any question as much as to “what should I gift?”. But NOT ANYMORE. My answer for most of the times is- PLANTS. Occasions change and so does the variety of plant. Anyways, what’s your minimum budget for a gift? Mine has been 0-200 (including the pot). Rs 0, when I gave self propagated plants and broken mugs/glasses/show pieces/plastic bottles/juice cans reused and recycled as pots.
I gift them on birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, house warming parties, as Diwali gifts and many a times without occasion, just to make someone feel special, to witness that smile of surprise and also to those who ask for it. YES, I do so to soak my soul in satisfaction and selfless happiness. You must try it.
9. PROVIDING FRESH AND ORGANIC PRODUCTS:
If you have space, try kitchen gardening. You will get fresh and organic home grown variety of vegetables and green leaves that you will eat with passion, for health and without left over. In my opinion, even if, the amount grown is not enough for a family, you will realize the importance of food. And we all must learn it, NOW.
10. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
You can start gardening as naïve as a 2 year old child. Let your mistakes and experiments guide you. Try the ingredients (Sun, water, soil and compost), in different proportions, at different times and in different modes. Approve your own recipes. Then only you will love the final outcome.
11. TEACHING LIFE LESSONS:
We all have a customized definition of life. What’s your version? Does it include being present in present, conscious about yourself and responsible. You know, howsoever harsh is the environment, flowers will bloom, offshoots will appear, seeds will grow, and fruits are destined to come. With utmost care, some plants will leave you forever. With timely intervention, some come back to life. Even after negligence, hardy once will grow back. Gardening teaches us acceptance, denial, let go, celebrations, patience, determination and in one word- Life.
12. SOURCE OF INCOME:
We all have suffered and survived the deadliest epidemic of century. Unfortunately it’s not over yet. Gardening has been one of the top hobbies nurtured in last two years. With time, people’s mindset is changing. With changing lifestyle, increasing urbanization and various sensitization programmes, awareness is increasing. So opening a nursery, making mini gardens, small balcony make overs are good business ideas.
Gardening is an ADDICTION, the BEST you will come across. It just needs patience and consistency. Start it right now and share your experiences.