Gardens: More Than Just Plants

There’s something special about gardens that has fascinated people for a very long time. Gardens have been a big part of our lives, culture, and even our beliefs. Many religions talk about gardens – like in Christianity, where the story of humanity starts in a garden, and the son of God was brought back to life in a garden. Buddhists create gardens to connect with nature. Even big fancy places like palaces and government buildings often have gardens. But why are gardens so popular? After all, they’re just a bunch of plants, right?

Well, the reason for having gardens where we grow food is pretty clear – it’s to eat! If you live off what you grow and survive on the things from your garden, it makes total sense. But what about those who plant flower gardens just because they like the way it looks? I used to wonder what the point was – having a bunch of flowers in your yard with no immediate benefit.

A Retreat to Nature’s Embrace

But, I’ve thought about it a lot, and I have a few theories about why people love gardens, especially the decorative ones. One reason is that even though we’re drawn to modern life and progress, deep down, we all have a natural love for nature. It might not be as strong as our desire for modern things, but it’s there. And creating gardens, these small pockets of nature, gives us a way to connect with that primal love for the natural world. Being in a garden feels like stepping back in time to when things were simpler and we were happier. Gardens are peaceful and calming. They’re perfect spots for meditating or doing tai chi, a way to quickly escape from our busy lives.

Sometimes, I think we might feel a bit guilty deep down, pushing us to care for and restore nature. Maybe it’s because we know that as a society, we’ve done a lot of damage to nature to reach where we are today. Planting a garden could be a way to make amends, to remember all the trees and plants we’ve harmed. That’s what I think drives many people to take up gardening as a hobby.

Gardening: A Healthy Habit for a Better World

But regardless of the deep reasons, gardening is undeniably good for us. It’s a healthy habit – it gives us exercise, helps the environment, and improves our diet. So, no matter the psychology behind it, I believe everyone should keep gardening. Especially in a place like the USA, where we’re dealing with problems like obesity and pollution, gardening can make a positive difference.

I’m not an expert in psychology; I’m just someone who loves gardening and wonders why. Why do I spend hours outside every day, tending to plants that would grow on their own anyway? I might never fully understand, but that’s okay. In this case, not knowing everything is perfectly fine.