why do you garden?

In the latest "Calgary Gardening" magazine from the Calgary Horticultural Society, they published some results from a survey that their Sustainability Committee conducted.  When asked to rank their most important goals in their gardens, society members listed the following, in order of preference:

1. Beautification of an outdoor area.
2. Increase bird, wildlife and beneficial insect habitat.
3. Create healthy and safe living area for family and friends.
4. Conserve water.
5. Improve soil.
6. Produce food.
7. Control weeds.
8. Control invasive plants.
9. Control pest insects.

I would agree with all of the above reasons.  I certainly started out gardening with the goal to add beauty to my yard, but gradually realized the impact that my little garden could have on the environment, including birds and bugs, water, soil, and pests.  I also became a little obsessed with turning my yard into an oasis of nature and beauty for myself and family and friends to enjoy.  I would say my top two reasons for gardening are closely related and intertwined:

1. I don't just want a garden, I want a magical retreat that will make you forget the time and space of your regular life as you spend time in my garden.  I am a long way away from that still, granted, but that is the goal...! 
2. I garden for the pleasure of the process - the idea of changing an "average yard" into a piece of art that takes all 5 senses to appreciate is very appealing!  I also like the challenge of designing something that changes over time, both from spring to fall to winter, and from year to year as plants mature.  I love being out in the garden whether I'm working on a major project (and there will be lots more of those before the garden is "done") or just puttering about deadheading or pulling weeds.  I can forget about everything else when I'm out there and it is the best form of relaxation for me.

So, why do you garden?

Comments

[The Ms. S.]

Thank you for saying that!

While it is nice to think that we garden for all kinds of altruistic reasons, we garden for ourselves first. It is about creating beauty and expressing ourselves by creating a space that is beautiful and unique to us.

If we are honest with ourselves, really, everything else comes second :) And that's okay!

[Paula H]

I would have to agree with "The Ms. S".

[Janice]

Thanks you two! I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who is a little selfish in my gardening!
Janice