For the love of the wild life!
Outdoor pursuits have always been part of my life, I spent some of my happiest childhood years in a village called Willington. Nature walks and freedom of access to play and explore beautiful countryside is something which had a great influence on my ability to connect to myself and stay grounded.
Being at one with nature has helped me to focus and regroup my thoughts, when I thought I had lost my essence.
In my formative years I remember always feeling so good and whole in the great outdoors. Climbing trees, running, digging, hiding, going to the park, riding my bike. Adventure was to be had out of the house. When we wanted to socialise we would ask to play out.
A beautiful place to grow
A feature of my hometown, Bedford, is the River Ouse and the embankment. As pride in the town goes the river is one of the best features, boasting attractive flower beds and wildlife. The landscape has been shaped by the river and I would describe the surrounding area as lush and green. No wonder we are drawn to the bi-annual celebrations that culminate in the river festival.
Why bother gardening?
No wonder I love the good life, gardening for pleasure and practicality, foraging for treats and sharing recipes. It is this food and fresh produce which brings people together. Amidst chaos of parenthood or the intensity of work, time out in the garden weeding or pruning is calming and productive.
Some of us love impact and immediacy so local garden centres or nurseries sell plants which will immediately change the landscape in your garden. The result is pride and pleasure aesthetically through the fragrance or taste or just prettiness. Planting trees that might live for generations is a fantastic way to leave a legacy, I believe it is quite sacred. Or a packet of seeds grown with a little watering and sunlight, soil and air, is simply miraculous.
Healthy body, mind and soul from fresh air!
Many people highly recommend an escape to the country as good down time on a weekend break from the ‘rat race’. However, it is becoming vitally important to remember our physical need for nature and natural products. It is no surprise that I want my home to extend beyond the four walls of bricks and mortor. My garden and the wider townscape is of grand importance.
Some of the foundational ‘ground-work’ is not so effortless and to establish a garden may take years. A garden which takes years to mature gives one time to plan and nurture with care. Basically spending time in your garden or outdoors can improve your wellbeing, from the vitamin D that is directly from the sun to the nutrients found in plants, vegetables and fruits.
How much of a priority is gardening and growing food these days? Does a love of nature come from direct access to playing outdoors in our youth? I would love to know about the readers experiences with taking time with nature…
