Page 54 - feb 22_Neat

Nancy’s nook- sustainable garden

The wonder of a sustainable garden is within the harmony that exists between
the natural land shapes, the indigenous flora, the local fauna, and your own heart
and mind centered vision. A garden that blends so well with the natural trees and
isten, can you hear the sound of the birds
grasses, with the regional bushes and shrubs, with the country’s weather patterns
singing? There, in the trees, where the cool
and climate, and with the visiting local animal companions.
Lbreeze gently blows through the branches and
across your face. The rustling of the leaves accompanies
the melody of the flitting birds and the ground beneath your
It almost takes care of itself, just needing a helping hand here and there to keep the happy
bare feet is soft and welcoming. The sky is a brilliant blue with soft white clouds slowly drifting
weeds at bay, and to ensure no freeloading caterpillars or squirrels take too much of a liking to
by. The mild morning sun sparkles amidst the dappled shadows and the scent of hidden little
this delightful space. This environmentally friendly garden takes into consideration your choice of
flowers and damp grass wafts up to greet you as you walk slowly and caresses your senses.
flowers and plants and blends them into the natural surroundings like they were put there by
If you feel a sense of calm and peace wash over you after reading these words, then you
nature’s hand herself. You feel the land contours telling you where to put the trees so they will
know how powerful nature is to our well-being. We are connected in more ways than we can
bring shade to the right places, where to put the flowering plants so that the bees and butterflies
see, or imagine, to the nurturing and vital life force that is present throughout the wilds of the
feel at ease, where to put the pathways so that the land remains un-eroded after an intense rain
land, the open savanna and the dense jungle, the tame backyard grass and the domesticated lemon
shower, and where to have that little space of native grass so you can have a much needed nap
tree.
laying down on this natural lawn.
It is so vital to our health, and overall quality of life on all levels, to connect on an ongoing
basis to this vibrant and indispensable energy and life that is fully present when we take the time
Since this garden grows in balance with the natural ways of the area, it just needs a little care
to step outside where the sun shines, the earth crumbles and the sky beckons.
Being in nature has been proven to have many benefits, including decreased stress
here and there to maintain its shape and to keep in tune with your image of what this garden and
depression, improved relaxation, enhanced mood and increased immune function, improved
is and can be like. As you meander around this space, you can let your mind be free to connect
cardiovascular and respiratory function, decreased blood pressure, improved sleep-wake cycles
with the plants and guide them towards how you would like them to grow, and at the same time
and heightened awareness.
keeping in consonance with how the plants naturally want to grow. A gentle blending of your
Spending time in nature also can improve relationship skills and reduce aggression, as well
desire with nature’s own way can create an awesome and inspiring garden, for there is a mutual
as help with general medical recovery, pain reduction, and ADHD reduction.
understanding and creation work happening that will bring forth a beauteous space of life that
The Japanese have a unique name for this experience; Shinrin-yoku, which roughly
encompasses everything and everyone.
translated means ‘forest bathing’. It's the practice of spending prolonged periods of time with
trees in order to gain from their many health benefits.
Since this sustainable garden flows with the phases of the moon and the cycles of the sun, each
So take the time now to go outside in a safe place where nature is all around you, take off
season will bring forth new wonders to gaze upon and fresh life to take pleasure in.
your shoes so you can stroll barefoot on the earth and go for a meandering walk with no
destination in mind. Be aware of the scents, the textures, the tastes, the sights and the feelings
Spring will coax forth the tiniest of yellow flowers to greet the day; summer will give rise to the
that surround you.
Close your eyes and just breathe, be present to
brightest emerald and jade and pastel greens; autumn will call in the delicate cool gusts that carry the
wonder of nature.
the scent of dry grass, and winter will bring on a sense of peace and introspection with the
sparseness of sand and rock. If you cannot go fully into nature, just step out into
your garden, no matter how large or small it is and be
What a wonder to walk upon this land barefooted, feeling the vibrant life caress your body and
present to it in this moment.
convey the sensations of a harmonious co-creation with all life.
And remember that to live our life in balance, we must
be in balance with nature too.
www.nancysartnook.com
www.facebook.com/NancysGourmetArtNook
Nancy Horenburg - naneky@gmail.com
54