The Rewards of Gardening. 6/08/21

kimtruegoldstein
Jun 8, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Jun 26, 2021

Beautify your surroundings while giving your heart a workout and alleviating some of your daily stress.

Three years ago, in the spring of 2018, my husband and I looked across our backyard in complete and utter disdain. The grass no longer existed, the greenery that had been planted when the house was built in 2008 was lacking in character and style. We knew change had to take place. I had gardened quite a bit when my boys were young, but my husband had never gardened. We decided right then and there we would visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. We set off eager to find the perfect plants to provide color, character and privacy to our backyard.

The arboretum was loaded with great ideas. My husband snapped so many photos of the plants and their tagged names that it was actually rather difficult to make decisions about what to purchase for our own garden. We decided to purchase plants that needed to mature, so we could enjoy the process of watching them grow. Initially, we placed several Yews along the fence, a few Cannas in front of the Yews and 2 rose bushes in the bed.

I chose the rose bushes, based on our personalities. Bobby, my husband is a comedian, not professionally-but definitely by nature. I am an artist, madly in love with him. Therefore, I chose roses named George Burns and Frida Kahlo. Both roses are colorful, but George is thornier. It seems appropriate.

During the past three years we have continued to move plants and add plants, preferably perennials, to the garden. As of this year, the Cannas had to be divided, and we have a new garden in front of our bedroom windows.

As the color begins to engulf our yard, I think of what the benefits have been and continue to be for both of us.

Time spent together
An atmosphere of serenity in the early mornings and late evenings
Exercise that continues to benefit both of us
Pride in what we have accomplished together
Beauty that cannot be duplicated and is ever-changing

These benefits are only a few that are mentioned in Eight Surprising Health Benefits of Gardening. So, as I take this journey to better health, I think more time in the garden may be required.