“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature.” Alfred Austin
For those who love to be outdoors, digging in the dirt and watching the “fruit of their labors” thrive, this season of gardening is for you. With the variety of plants, flowers, vegetables, bushes, and herbs, one might wonder where to start and how to maintain an outdoor space. Opportunities for shared spaces, such as community gardens make the experience even more rewarding for local residents. A few such gardens in the Edmonton area are Brander Community Garden and University of Alberta Community Garden. Brander is situated in the Riverbend community. Volunteers and a nearby school ensure that the gardens are weeded, watered and harvested. The University on-campus gardens serve as outdoor classrooms and is overseen by the Faculty of Agricultural Life and Environmental Sciences. Alberta Health Services also has a handbook. Albertahealthservices.ca/nutrition/page11409.aspx
Gardening can have its challenges, but many people find creative solutions. From raised beds because of poor soil to filling an old wheelbarrow with a variety of flowers, gardeners are pleased to water, put up trellises and plant flowers to attract bees and hummingbirds. Even old tires can be used as planters for either vegetables or flowers. Spray painting them different colors also adds brightness to a space.
There are a number of different gardens that suit each climate, growing season and space. Vegetable gardens used for growing edible plants for consumption are the most common. Gardeners plant lettuce and carrots in planting pots; use raised gardens so bending is not so difficult and even fence them in to protect the plants from wildlife. Flower beds are cultivated and weeded for the fragrances and beauty of color. Pollinators are attracted to the continuous bloom throughout the season. A more challenging garden used for medicinal, culinary or health purposes is the herb garden. Many gardeners start these off in the spring indoors to give them a healthy start before transplanting them outdoors. Greenhouses are perfect examples of indoor gardens and all variety of plants are able to grow in the indoor space. Water gardens feature aquatic plants and animals in a pond or some sort of body of water. Lastly, vertical gardens showcase plants growing on walls, trellises, arbours, add dimension, save space and creature interesting visuals. All in all, gardens can be whatever appeals to the one tending, weeding and cultivating it.
There are thousands of books, plenty of websites and individuals with practical knowledge to guide you on your journey as a gardener. So, this season, connect to nature, watch the flowers bloom, plants grow and create a space to enjoy. Our season is short in Canada, so get growing!
Written by Lorrie Morales
