A Habit of Joy, Gardening.

"Flowers are the earth laughing," Ralph Waldo Emerson.

A friend and fellow blogger wrote recently about her habits of joy, which included watching an amaryllis bulb sprint to bloom in January. 

This morning I walk out my door to see the daffodil greens emerging out of brown and cold and my heart sings. I never tire of seeing this minor miracle; determined reminders that Spring is coming and that soon the light which beckons these emerald beauties will coax them into explosions of white and yellow. This planting and watching daffodils has been my habit of joy for at least 20 years.

According to Mother Nature Network 43 million Americans or 37% of the population had food gardens in 2009 and the National Garden Association claims that 3 out of 4 Americans have some kind of garden. Growing and tending living things benefit us in so many ways; gives us exercise, gets us outside in the light, deters depression, provides us something delicious to eat, something beautiful to see and a deep sense of accomplishment. If you are one of the 3 out of 4 you already know that.

Adaptive Gardening can bring many if not all of the benefits of gardening to you if you are in some way housebound. Here are just a few ideas.

Put your favorites in pots
Many plants can be tended in a pot. From daffodil bulbs to tomatoes, pansies to parsley, your favorite plant can be brought near to you in the form of a pot. If your garden is right outside on the porch or inside on the patio you will be able to enjoy it and watch it's progress.

Ask for help
I know that fellow gardeners are usually helpful friendly folks and I know some of them would help you weed, or re-pot or sow in season. Even a small assistance from someone, like sowing your marigolds in Springtime or pruning your rosebushes can keep you "in the garden".

Try something new inside
If you haven't explored indoor gardening, now is a good time. If you have sunny windows you can try a small herb garden,  a succulent arrangement or some other tropical addition. Orchids used to be rare and difficult plants to grow but they are now readily available in many grocery stores and simply need steady indirect light and water once a week. Experiment!

Go outside as much as possible
When the temperatures warm, when the sun shines, the gardener wants out! Go outside and see if the maples are reddening, whether the Mockingbirds ate all the holly berries, if the Hellebore's blooming.

Arrange to see another garden too, whether it is simply the neighbor's down-the-street, J.C. Raulston Arboretum or a lovely visit in the garden section of Lowes. Indulge your love for gardening and let me know how you cultivate your habits of joy.