Why do I love gardening so much? I could just sit outside and enjoy the birds singing, the trees coming into leaf and blossom, and I do enjoy time just sitting or walking in the garden. Gardening though is creative: taking the essential elements of seeds, water, sunlight, and soil and something new grows. It’s awe-inspiring to see different plants come from seeds. Making compost is regenerative. Adding waste products together: plant waste, green and brown matter from the garden and watching that decompose and become brown crumbly compost, is so rewarding. Creativity in form of design, either intentional or naturally occurring, brings joy and delight. Tulips and daffodils coming up beneath a tree, surrounded by wild primroses brings me joy day after day of seeing them. This is not expensive and such a delight. I can beaver away doing things in the garden and feel physically tired, whilst having mental rest. There is thought, but it is slower, not racing. I can feel a spiritual connection: joy, peace, gratitude all flow in silent prayer to our God. Those of any faith or none can find joy and delight in a garden. What a blessing such simple activity is: purposeful, sustaining, and regenerative.

Some have their own gardens to enjoy, others help parents, family, or friends with their garden. Others will have waited for an allotment or are sharing an allotment with a more experienced grower. Still others will gather to grow together in a community garden and have the added joy of connection in community. We are hopeful for opportunities for this in the year ahead. For now, it may be a walk in the park or just sitting outside for 15 minutes that will bring peace in the midst of the day.