As for me, it took a great deal of coaxing for me to even think about liking a plant. It began nine years ago when someone mistakenly thought I was employed at the nursery my mom worked at. Mom had gotten a phone call when she handed me the water hose. For two years in a row I mostly watered plants. I then worked my way up to potting plants, maintaining the nursery yard, loading mulch, delivering plants and mulch, retail sales and then office manager.
I worked at the nursery for almost six years before I left before having my third child. I fell in love with gardening. If I would have had the money I would have bought a lot more plants! I still have a love for plants though. One of my wishes is when I finally buy my first home I will get to build some of the most beautiful gardens. One of my ultimate dreams is to create a "secret garden." Ever since I watched the movie "The Secret Garden" and read the book, I have dreamed of having one. I had even considered creating one out at my best friends house since he has the acreage to do it.
Some of my most favorite plants are the Bleeding Heart, Hardy Plumbago, Crape Myrtles, Barberry, Miniature Roses, Spirea, Yoshino Cherry Tree,Soft Touch Holly and the Indian Hawthorne. My list could go on and on but I'll leave it at these for now.
My most favorite part of the year is Spring. Watching the plants bloom and the trees bud out is so beautiful. Even though I have allergies I love the Spring. People flock to the nurseries to build their yards.
Working out in the yard and being creative is fun. I enjoy including my kids in it as much as possible. They love playing in the dirt just as much as I do. They love the responsibility of watering the plants everyday.
Creating a garden also does the body good. For one you are outside collecting the Vitamin D from the sunlight which we all need. It also helps clear your mind by focusing on planting your garden. Many people want to make gardens for a place to meditate just like the secret garden I want to create. I want it so I have a place I can go and meditate or just go to read a book.
Tilling up the land builds muscles and promotes circulation. Mentally it can be challenging at times but completing a gardening project can be the most rewarding.
Last year I created a really nice garden where I lived. I added stepping stones and solar powered lights that all of my neighbors enjoyed. I had fun just watching my flowers come in bloom. I really loved it when I was given more plants to add to my collection. My mom was really good at helping add to my collection!
It doesn't take a great deal of knowledge to build a basic garden. The next time you have 30 minutes to an hour to kill go to your local nursery and walk around. Take a look at the plants and see which ones appeal to you right away. If you take a piece of paper with you, write down the name of the plant. You can go home and do research, local library or even ask the staff at the nursery for more information such as is is a sun or shade plant, what part of the year does it bloom, what is the height and width of the plant when it has matured?
One of the local ones in my area is one of the largest in the surrounding area & counties. It is also one of the oldest. Varnell Nursery & Landscaping, LLC is owned by Tim Davis and is located in McDonald, TN (423)472-1842 There is 13 acres full of plants, many that are difficult to find. Sometimes if you request a specific plant and Tim does not carry it he will locate it for you. Tim is also the professional landscaper at the nursery. He has done many large landscape projects over the two decades he has been in the landscaping business.
If you are looking for a design on a lower scale then Varnell also offers in house landscape drawings in the retail store. Just bring by photographs and within a couple of days a drawing will be completed for you.
Having a garden can be very peaceful. Walking through and smelling the plants, watching the birds, bees and butterflies can be relaxing. Add a small waterfall or fountain can make the world of difference. Add a wildflower garden and every so often getting cuttings and adding them to a table centerpiece can be meaningful.
Creating a herb garden to use herbs in natural healing processes or even cooking herbs have benefits.
While a garden means having the responsibility of caring for it. It does not have to be a tedious task unless you make it. Ask yourself how much time do you want to involve (dedicate) to it? At least once a week you want to set aside at least one hour to fertilize, weed, prune and water. Each day watering can take 15 to 30 minutes. It just depends on the size of the garden. Make sure you include telling the retail sales at your nursery how much time you have to dedicate to a garden.
There are plants that are hardy enough or have a great root system to handle going without water everyday if need be. Consider plants that are low maintenance and do not require constant pruning. Also consider asking what plants are more succesptible to diseases and bug infestations.
If you have the extra funds consider allowing the staff at the nursery to do the planting. Places like Varnell Nursery tend to offer installation at a reasonable cost and it includes a warranty (sometimes a 1 yr).
Some additional ways of learning about plants is to purchase your own gardening books and/or purchasing gardening magazines. Are you thinking about creating a garden yet? Whether it is just a garden with pots to countless acres garden can affect your life in a positive, peaceful way. Consider the serene landscapes plants can provide. Trees provide shade to yards and eventually shade homes helping to keep them cool in the summer and help lower the utility bill.
If you still are not quite sure about having your own garden yet, start out small with some basic annuals in a pot or a box. If the plants are "growing" on you let them! Eventually your desire may expand to add more plants to your collection.
Make sure you add fertilizers and root stimulators to your colletion to maintain healthy beautiful plants. One product my business offers is enzyme based and earth friendly. Click Here for more details.