The Joy of Dirty Fingers
I enjoy gardening.
For many reasons, gardening appeals to me.
I enjoy the possibilities available when you are in the shop or store, looking over seed packets, examining seedlings, or sometimes just browsing., 'window-shopping' as you look over the work of others in photos, magazines, blogs and such.
I enjoy the incredible array of shapes and colors that plants have evolved, both from a design standpoint and from a biological standpoint. The reason herbs release fragrance when they are broken or torn is a defense mechanism--the smell is often intended to drive away hungry insects. Apes and birds have been observed rubbing their bodies and decorating their nests with herbs as a natural insect repellent. Some flowers are brightly colored to warn animals that they are toxic- and yet fruits are brightly colored possibly to catch the eye and tempt the palate.
I enjoy the satisfaction of tending something, and seeing it planted, germinated, and grown, especially if it's something I can eat or harvest in some way. I like decorative plants too, but eating your own home-grown plants just feels good.
Most of all, I like the work. I like dressing like a nutball in my most ragged clothes, rooting around in the dirt, and getting utterly filthy in the pursuit of an end. Granted, I can't get as filthy as I used to since I have dread locks now as whatever gets in there can be hard to get out, but a hat or kerchief solves that problem. I like getting sweaty, I like making that trip to the nursery or hardware store looking like I crawled out of a swamp's basement, and yet going into a shop (where everyone else is obviously there mid-project on the weekend) and getting what I need. I love planning, arranging, and figuring out what I want to do.
I wish I could do more gardening right now, but since we live in a rental there's only so much I can do (that and the whole 'I have no money' thing). I sometimes dream of building my own Secret Garden and what I'd put in there--honestly I couldn't say, there isn't a plot of land big enough for all the things I'd want to do.
For many reasons, gardening appeals to me.
I enjoy the possibilities available when you are in the shop or store, looking over seed packets, examining seedlings, or sometimes just browsing., 'window-shopping' as you look over the work of others in photos, magazines, blogs and such.
I enjoy the incredible array of shapes and colors that plants have evolved, both from a design standpoint and from a biological standpoint. The reason herbs release fragrance when they are broken or torn is a defense mechanism--the smell is often intended to drive away hungry insects. Apes and birds have been observed rubbing their bodies and decorating their nests with herbs as a natural insect repellent. Some flowers are brightly colored to warn animals that they are toxic- and yet fruits are brightly colored possibly to catch the eye and tempt the palate.
I enjoy the satisfaction of tending something, and seeing it planted, germinated, and grown, especially if it's something I can eat or harvest in some way. I like decorative plants too, but eating your own home-grown plants just feels good.
Most of all, I like the work. I like dressing like a nutball in my most ragged clothes, rooting around in the dirt, and getting utterly filthy in the pursuit of an end. Granted, I can't get as filthy as I used to since I have dread locks now as whatever gets in there can be hard to get out, but a hat or kerchief solves that problem. I like getting sweaty, I like making that trip to the nursery or hardware store looking like I crawled out of a swamp's basement, and yet going into a shop (where everyone else is obviously there mid-project on the weekend) and getting what I need. I love planning, arranging, and figuring out what I want to do.
I wish I could do more gardening right now, but since we live in a rental there's only so much I can do (that and the whole 'I have no money' thing). I sometimes dream of building my own Secret Garden and what I'd put in there--honestly I couldn't say, there isn't a plot of land big enough for all the things I'd want to do.