Horticultural Therapy

In recent months, I've read a lot of articles about the health benefits of gardening. In particular, using gardening as a form of therapy to help deal with catastrophic grief and working through mental health issues is gaining popularity. Dubbed Horticultural Therapy, this article from NPR links the benefits to stress reduction, calmer nerves and a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol. If I needed another reason to spend time in my garden, then certainly, this would be it.

As Mom to two toddlers, I'm experiencing another aspect of horticultural therapy; building confidence and encouraing independence in my kids. The three of us maintain numerous flower beds, raised veggie beds and potted plants, and enjoy spending this time together. They're as passionate as I am...ok almost...about seeing the process through from seed to table (or floral arrangement) and are learning to express why that is. And their little personalities are as different as their taste in plants.

Whatever your reason or need, gardening may provide an outlet. If you've never had an opportunity to flex your green thumb, start with an easy to care for potted plant like a peace lily. If you're feeling more adventurous, purchase a seed pack, a bag of potting mix and a planter. It's that easy. Give gardening a chance and see which benefits you reap from horticultural therapy.

Here are a few photos from last summer's garden to inspire you.

Earthworm Delight

I have the most amazing gardening friends who share their best stuff with me. Below is a picture of a tub of earthworms I received today.

So why so excited? Because these beauties are the equivalent of garden gold. They will burrow in the soil, effectively aerating it, eat annoying buggers like nematodes, AND fertilize my garden with their castings. Plus, the kids and I had an awesome time picking them out and spreading them around the veggie and flower beds. There were literally hundreds, which kept my little tykes busy for a while.

For the little ones in your life, check out this cool site from Nat Geo Kids about earthworms. You'll have them digging outside in no time.

Carpenter Bee Extermination Folly

Sunday, the DH, kids and I visited the Greater Montgomery Home and Garden Show. As usual, it was very interesting and this year's addition of the Party Palace's Disney characters even made it fun for the kids. I especially enjoy the garden section. However, I was slightly perturbed at this booth, whose product aimed to trap then chemically kill carpenter bees:

This company is obviously not familiar with the important role carpenter bees play in pollination.

Yes, they can be pesky creatures boring into our wooden structres as detailed in this post from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. However, instead of fighting nature, we should compliment it. The bees are boring into wood looking for a suitable place to lay their eggs. Build a bee house to draw the carpenter bees away from dwelling structures, by grouping several wooden cylindrical shapes together; bamboo works well. A female will nest, sealing up only one side of the bee house so that the young bees can escape from the other side. (Of course this is a process you'll likely have to repeat every year.) The bees can bore till their heart is content, your wooden structures will be protected, and no bees will be killed in the process.

I thought about explaining this either to the man in the booth, or to his potential customers, then decided against it. My husband and kids probably would not have appreciated me getting kicked out. Let's hope in this instance, the pen is mightier than the sword and those same people are reading this post.

Strays

The other day while checking on my veggie garden, I noticed a few strays growing where they shouldn't (like an empty raised bed waiting to be filled and planted). No doubt evidence of my kids 'helping' me plant onion and garlic bulbs a few weeks ago.

Isn't it wonderful that life goes on in spite of...well, anything. This particular onion bulb landed in an unprepared bed of plain ole south Alabama red clay, and was probably trampled into the ground by two 35-pounders. Since I didn't know it was there, I didn't water it or care for it in any way, yet it broke the surface and is thriving.

Great reminder not to take things too seriously. Also makes me wonder why I spend so much on top soil and organic amendments if these things grow anyway. Things to ponder.

Deer Today, Gone Tomorrow

I suppose it was inevitable since I live near wooded areas, but my deer attack last night is still leaving me feeling violated. I've had pansies near my front door since November, and just yesterday, I was admiring how beautiful my planter is. Then I found this today.

Even though I have woody surroundings, I'm on a corner lot on a busy street. I've seen deer further down on our street where the woods back up to my neighbor's property, and I've even seen evidence of them eating flowers inside my Crapemyrtle borders, but on my front step? Food must be scarce.

Feeling a little blue right now, but not for long. The obvious next step is to research deer-resistant plants and refill my planter. That, or build a feeding station somewhere in the woods to draw them away.

Wait, Dryer Lint is Compostable?

It's amazing what you can learn watching late night tv. Not able to fall asleep last night, no doubt due to the DH working late, I began flipping channels and landed on Extreme Cheapskates on TLC. Documentary or mockumentary, I can't decide, but it's definately worth the watch. (And I didn't think any show could beat Toddlers & Tiaras for entertainment value!)

I was particularly entertined by Jeff Yeager who talked about fiscal fasts (not spending any of his own money for one week, several times a year), buying the cheapest meats possible (think organ meats and goats' heads) and reusing items around the house. Honestly, not all of his ideas were bad - think composting dryer lint. Who knew?!? Can't wait to try this!

Lessons in Tropical Flora

During our recent trip to The Bahamas - my birthplace - it occured to me that I am unable to identify most of the native trees, shrubs and flowers. This strikes me as a little odd since I remember helping my grandmother - a huge plant enthusiast - in her garden since I could walk. So, I am determined to dedicate some of my time toward rectifying this.

In the meantime, I am enjoying learning more about the trees, shrubs and flowers The Bahamas and the southeast have in common. Namely Philodendron / Golden Pothos, the variation of which absolutely took my breath away. In the southeast, this vine known as Philodendron, is not winter hardy and is typically used as a potted houseplant. In The Bahamas, this vine grows indefinately, with leaves as big as my three-year old. Take a look:

Amazing what a change in environment will do.