“When the world wearies, and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.” 

These words by 19th-century artist and poet Minnie Aumonier continue to resonate, offering solace that feels remarkably contemporary.

Her words harken a retreat into nature. Research has shown that connecting with the outdoors improves mood, decreases stress, and improves mental health. What do you feel when you see a garden filled with abundance? I experience happiness and an appreciation for the work of cultivation.

Why gardens spark joy and creativity.

Vibrant blooms and a bounty of vegetables are synonymous with growth and creativity. Whether experimenting with a new plant or designing your dream landscape, gardening allows you to use your imagination. In our busy, structured lives, the freedom to grow something that makes us happy improves our state of mind.

Where my garden ideas begin.

Every spring, I start my search for the ultimate flower combinations for my container garden. Ideas come from magazines, home and garden shows, and social media. Visits to botanical gardens also inspire new possibilities.

It’s important to consider what plants grow in your temperate zone. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map helps identify your zone based on your zip code. My zone is 7b, which means azaleas, camellias, crape myrtles, and southern magnolias thrive where I live. Walking around your neighborhood also gives a good idea of what plants thrive.

You may also enjoy selecting plants based on their meaning. Symbolism exists within different types of flowers. In Hinduism, flowers signify purity, peace, and devotion. Blooms like jasmine and marigolds, often used in religious offers and garlands for decoration, are associated with love, spiritual refinement, and new beginnings.

How I choose plants and build my garden.

Ultimately, a trip to the garden center (or centers, in my case) drives my plant selection. I read the plant tags, as they contain a wealth of information. 

For example, African daisies thrive in full sun and drought conditions. That’s perfect for my deck, and it means the plant has a chance to survive should I miss a day or two of watering.

For my container garden, I choose plants based on color and texture. 

A sunny yellow begonia may catch your eye, and creating a container design starts there. 

Selecting plants with height and mounding characteristics and ones that hang over the edge, also known as the “thriller, filler, and spiller,” works well for building your container garden.

Easy ways to start your own garden.

There is a plant for everyone. Consider starting small with succulent plants if a green thumb isn’t in your DNA. These cacti-like plants come in many varieties and are pretty hardy. A shallow bowl with well-drained soil and a few plants provides a low-maintenance entry into gardening.

Herbs also grow very well and provide a lovely scent and texture. You’ll also have mint or rosemary to garnish your meal. On the vegetable container side, tomatoes do very well. When in doubt, many garden centers offer prepared arrangements for you to take home and enjoy right away.

“Gardening nourishes the mind, body, and spirit.”

Gardening as meditation and self-care.

Whether digging in the dirt or enjoying the product of your hard work and creativity, gardening is like a form of meditation. Growing plants goes beyond the physical. The experience nourishes mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Try something new. Permit yourself to nurture your garden. Spending time in nature may return the favor.