I have wanted to write about this topic for a while, and now seemed like an appropriate time. If you follow me on instagram, you may know that I have recently had a bit of a health scare. About a month ago I had two seizures on the same day. Fortunately I was with my partner at the time and in a safe place. And although now I know my body was giving very clear signs of what was to come, at the time I didn't connect them with an impending seizure. I've never had seizures before, nor has anyone in my family. I ended up in hospital with a rather large bruise on my temple from where I had hit it against the pavement, and a week or so of horrible headaches if I was upright for more than a few minutes.
I am still undergoing tests to try and find out why I had a seizure in the first place, which is a bit scary. But generally I feel in good health. I am on anti-seizure medication which seems to be working, my brain is gradually sharpening up and I feel very rested. The whole experience has made me realise how lucky I am, and has emphasised to me what is important in life: health, happiness, and the people who love you.
I ended up having about three weeks off work to recover, so I had more time to be in the garden, which has been wonderful, especially with the amazing spring weather the UK has been enjoying so far. Being able to garden has made the recovery process a lot more enjoyable, and has made me feel fortunate that I enjoy gardening as much as I do. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I do think that everyone should have a go, just to check, because if you do find that you enjoy it, it's a hobby with many benefits.
1. It gets you outside in the fresh air
I was never much of an outdoor person when I was younger, but since I began my gardening love affair I know just how affective fresh air is. In the winter, the cold blows away the cobwebs and leaves a lovely tingle in my cheeks. In the spring, the sound of singing birds and the sight of blossom and buds leaves me feeling hopeful and positive. In the summer, as I pad around the garden barefoot, watering can in hand, I notice that nothing makes me feel more at peace.
2. You reap what you sow
Like all good things in life, taking care of plants and gardens does take patience, hard work and perseverance. But the feeling you get when that seed germinates and you see the first glimpse of a seedling's head break the soil surface is worth it. When flowering bulbs pop up in garden borders, when the buds appear on your favourite perennial, when you harvest fruit and vegetables grown by you. When you know all the rewards are because of you. Simple pleasures are the best pleasures, and life is sweeter for them.
3. It makes you appreciate the little things
Flower buds forming, a pleasing colour combination, or a green speckle of life appearing in a seed tray - gardening has allowed me to notice small, subtle changes with the greatest appreciation. I have been sowing a lot of vegetable seeds recently, and it still blows my mind that something so seemingly insignificant as a seed contains so much potential.
4. It's meditative
I believe there is a lot of satisfaction to be had from just completing a task and having something physical to show for it. Gardening is made out of tasks like this - sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings, planting, mulching, pruning, watering - there is always something to do, and essentially it's very soothing. When I am out in the garden I am just doing - no worrying or internalising. It's one of the few times in my life that I slow down, take a breath and focus on the present.
5. It's good for the environment
There are plenty of ways in which gardening could be considered bad for the environment, mostly with regards to the amount of plastic that encompasses the retail side of the horticultural industry. I don't mean to gloss over this and things need to change. However gardening in general is very positive for the environment. Growing your own fruit and vegetables, planting pollen and nectar rich flowers for bees and butterflies and incorporating trees and shrubs to help take the carbon out of the atmosphere are all good ways of reducing your carbon footprint, and it feels good to give something back.
6. It puts you in touch with nature
If there is one hobby that will allow you to spot that first sign that a new season is on its way, it's gardening. As you mulch in January, you will notice and appreciate the small inconspicuous buds that appear on shrubs and trees, ready to burst into life in spring. As you are hurrying around the garden in may with a mammoth to do list, you will suddenly become aware that your once sparse perennial flowerbeds are green and lush, and know that summer is about to arrive. When autumn comes, you will welcome the fiery finale of colour with acceptance, because you know you have it all to come again next year. Gardening is a cycle, just like life, which I find comforting. It reminds me that if my life isn't going particularly well, things will change eventually but it also reminds me to try and embrace the present, because there is always something to appreciate, in the garden and in life.
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