The Benefits and Joys of Gardening

 Happy Anniversary to EZ Herbs, Herb of the Month newsletter. Yes, it’s been a year full of information on Nettles, Vitex, Passionflower, Pennyroyal,  Lemongrass, Motherwort, Ginger, Sage, Cinnamon, Chamomile, Roses and Hawthorn. I am so fortunate to have most of these herbs growing in my garden (no Hawthorn or Cinnamon).  So, who says Texas is such a tough place to maintain a garden? (probably most of us).  Yes, gardening in Central Texas is challenging with its rocky or hard clay soils, with its extreme temperatures and torrents of rainfall.  We don’t have the sweet pleasure of New England’s rich, pliable soil, or England’s frequent soft rains and temperate climate. I am convinced, however, that the plants that do grow well here, are stronger, more tenacious and full of minerals, vitamins and potent chemical constituents that make good herbal medicines.

 I thought that for my Anniversary, instead of writing about one herb this month, I would share with you some of the joys and benefits of growing and maintaining your own garden. Being that I am presently writing a textbook chapter on the subject, it is foremost in my mind, and in my heart.

   March in Texas means spring is just a few weeks away.  March 15^th is our last freeze date (most often), so it is time to get out there, prepare your garden soil, begin to start seeds, either in a greenhouse or inside, and order or buy seeds and transplants that you want to have growing and thriving soon.  Spring is a GREAT time to garden here. It’s wise to start this early because come May, you know, it’s going to get hot and our summer gardens are more challenging to maintain.  If you get plants started early, they have some time to take root and begin to mature, so they can hold on during our long, hot season.

 I definitely have Spring Fever.   I think about gardening, I dream about gardening and spend every minute I can spare outside.  I am thrilled each day when I walk through my garden noticing wildflowers popping up, roses beginning to leaf out and discovering the plants that are beginning to reappear after their winter rest.  Yesterday I noticed my Lemongrass coming back, my Lion’s Ear and even my new Blue Sky Vine shows some green beneath the winter mulch that’s been keeping it warm.

 Gardening is being mindful, gardening is learning patience and gardening brings much joy and pleasures to so many.  I am so lucky to have a beautiful, new greenhouse this year and I have started some seedlings in the last couple of weeks.  What a miracle to wake up one morning and see an entire tray of morning glory seedlings up and green, looking healthy and strong.  With this early start I’ll get them in the ground within the next couple of weeks and have beautiful vines adorning my seven-foot fence encircling my entire garden space (I have deer out here, so need to protect the garden from those hungry four-leggeds).

 Hopefully this newsletter will inspire you to get outside, work with the soil, some seeds, and plants and begin or continue to experience the many benefits of gardening.  If you don’t have a garden space, use containers for growing your herbs, flowers and even some vegetables.  Clay pots are best to use as they simulate the earth more than plastic or other types of containers.  Take time this spring to read gardening books, seed catalogues, attend classes and talks, but most importantly, get those hands in the dirt.  You’ll love it!  See you in the garden.