In the fast-paced world of city living it would be really refreshing to find a hubby that helps us relax while exercising your mind and your body at the same time. Most of you must be wandering, where do I find the time or the space to consider taking up gardening? Not in Lagos with the long hours and stress. But it may be the perfect pastime to help you find peace and tranquility. It may be what you need to rejuvenate and clear your mind. God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures – Francis Bacon
Gardening can be done anywhere, and gardens can be of different sizes. We can plant them in spaces around our house, on walls, on the roof or eleven suspended over outdoor areas. For my discussion today, I am limiting my definition of gardening to the cultivation and care of flowers and shrubs.
Having plants in our homes gives us a vital link with nature. It creates a good aura and fills the space with positive energy. The beauty and fragrances ensure the environment is relaxing and it lifts your mood. I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow – David Hobson.
Time spent working in the garden is a great opportunity to detach from the hustle and bustle of daily living. It gives us a welcomed break from technology, phones, tablets and the likes. It is also a great bonding opportunity if shared with a loved one. It is a unique mindful experience and encourages one to be present and appreciate life. You can create a space in the garden to serve as a recreation spot in the garden where you can relax and enjoy natures beauty.
Gardening enhances our wellbeing and is a form of gentle but effective exercise for the body and the mind. It challenges you to use your creativity and problem-solving skills as you navigate the many intricacies and decision problems. You can also grow unique herbs and vegetables which you can incorporate into a healthy diet. A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust – Gertrude Jekyll
For most of us in Lagos, space is limited so we would need to find innovative ways to incorporate gardens in our living spaces. In addition to optimizing open spaces around our homes, vertical gardens, green walls and suspended gardens are a good and aesthetically pleasing way to plant flowers in our homes. The flowers can be planted in flowerpots or other suitable containers. This would aid the management of the plants and allow you some flexibility in the arrangement of the garden.
While it is easy to lean the basic skills required to tend to most garden plants, a gardener learns new methods everyday from experience or from research or from observing others. You can start with a single plant and grow your garden gradually. A beautiful garden is a product of hard work and passion. It is a source of pride and a unique expression of one’s creativity.
I hope reading this motivates you to take up gardening and truly enjoy its benefits.
Ayuba Loko
