by Cathy Mcclellan

Created on: January 09, 2009

I have a sign in my garden that says "Take Time To Smell The Flowers". In our busy lives with constant work, financial worries and stress we really do need to take time to smell the flowers. I have flower gardens, ornamental trees, shrubs and a fruit and vegetable garden. When I go out to water, it is the most relaxing and refreshing thing I can do at the end of the day.

Just being outside with a slight wind blowing, clouds floating in a blue sky, bees buzzing around the flowers and butterflies everywhere gives me a sense of calmness and peace. Getting back to nature is very soul cleansing. I water with just the water hose and sprayer so I can stay out there as long as I can just soaking in the solitude and peace. Obviously, there is work included in gardening but if you really enjoy the sight of your garden, the fact that you have grown something pretty or edible and it calms you then the work is well worth it. Happiness is worth the work.

Even the work is fun. The feel of the cool dirt on your hands feels wonderful. And, as you see the first cracks in the soil and a little green bud poking through, you'll think "I did it!" Nothing has to be huge. Just big enough for your wants or needs. In today's economy, stretching your grocery budget is increasingly hard. A vegetable garden gives you all your fresh vegetables without the cost. You can even sell the extra produce at a roadside stand or can the extra vegetables either to sell or to put up for the winter.

Canning is beginning to be a lost art and it can be time consuming. But when you see all the colorful jars of fruits and vegetables in your pantry you'll be so proud of yourself. I always knew how to can some things but I really started canning as much as I could last year. We had a fairly large garden and some days were hectic at the height of the season but the fact we had fresh vegetables and fruit daily and my pantry was full for the winter gave me a sense of accomplishment and lowered my stress level as I didn't have to worry about buying as many groceries.

I remember my father working in the garden when I was younger and he would teach me how to tell when things were ripe, when to water and when to weed. Then my mother would teach me to wash and clean and can. At the time I was not interested at all. I wanted to go ride my bike! But now, I realize just how valuable that information was to me. My parents taught me something a lot of people never learn. Family is everything and providing for them is one of the most important jobs you can do. I go outside now and all those memories flow through me and I know that all is right with the world. At least for a little while. So, please, take the time to smell the flowers and find your soul and peace in gardening.

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