A Packet Full of Hope

It’s simply a small envelope. With a picture on the front and a brief description. A seed packet may contain the seeds of zinnias, pumpkins, or string beans. But something else is tucked into these tiny colorful envelopes….hope. Like the simple quote by the delicate-as-a-flower Audrey Hepburn, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” That certainly is what we have been waiting for during this long arduous year-a tomorrow of normalcy, a tomorrow of health, and a blissful tomorrow when family and friends may easily surround us. Ah, to hug again! We hope for the normalcy we enjoyed not that long ago. Seeds, in their own sweet way, can help us hold onto hope; that another growing season will bring us closer to those days for which we are longing.

Last year’s resurgence in gardening hit like a mega-storm. Whether it stemmed from the shock of seeing somewhat depleted grocery shelves, the stark realization of a fragile supply chain, or a simple hobby and diversion while in isolation, it has proven itself to be what many gardeners already knew: an activity that benefits us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In times of angst, such as we have been experiencing, gardening has both introduced and reminded so many people of its myriad of fulfilling positive attributes. 

I’m guessing that like me (a gardener, coincidentally), you’ve heard stories of Victory Gardens and their place in WW1 and WW2. I was stunned to learn that during WW2, roughly 40% of the nation’s fresh vegetables were harvested from the country’s almost 20 million victory gardens. Those are some impressive numbers (and a whole lot of zucchini) as well as tremendous involvement and commitment from the population. These gardens served their part in the war effort, feeding millions of citizens, but unfortunately, after the war(s) ended, many were abandoned and yards were soon admired for their expanses of lawn, not tomatoes and lettuce. Or even zucchini.

Fast forward to 2020, and the gardening bug swarmed our nation. The W. Atlee Burpee and Co. seed company sold more seeds in March of 2020 than in any other point in the company’s history, and being 144 years old, they’ve seen many a growing season. Online tutorials on how to build garden beds were in hot demand as well. Folks got building and growing during the year 2020, spurred on by the most unlikely garden advocate: a global pandemic. 

Will this upcoming season be the same? Covid is still amongst us and there is uncertainty regarding as to when the country can return to its mask-less, relaxed, go-anywhere-and-see-anyone existence. However, despite numbers still surging, in some areas of the country, people have become somewhat acclimated their daily lives within this new realm. While grocery shelves are still periodically not fully stocked, it’s not sending people scrambling the way it did a year ago. Talk of toilet paper has waned (hallelujah). But, here’s hoping that the enjoyment and nurturing of gardens will not be abandoned as people potentially wander a bit further from their yards than they did last summer. 

After living through 2020 which was a year marked by all manner of losses-lives, jobs, human connection, schooling-gardening can continue to be an elixir to help us mend those emotional traumas and help us to process the grief and stress that we experienced. And it can also bring joy and nurture our souls.

Gardening and being out in nature has been shown to:

-Decrease depression and ease anxiety and stress-Microbes in the soil and Vitamin D from the sun boosts serotonin (the happiness hormone) and lowers blood pressure

-Aromatherapeutic benefits-Literally, stop to smell the roses. And the herbs. And the grass. From calming to energizing scents, a garden holds them all!

-Increases your self-esteem-Learning what your body is capable of increases confidence in it

-Helps balance mood disorders-Regular access to green spaces reduces stress, fear and sadness, even quelling anger.

-Good cardiovascular benefits-Manual labor with digging, hauling, weeding, planting

-It is life-affirming-Witnessing growth in the garden helps to support nature and the process of nurturing of a living thing

-Gardening encourages people to “be in the moment”-Increases attention span and focus, even going to far as to be seen as a meditative practice.

-A great activity for family bonding-All ages can participate!

-Can result in healthier eating habits-One gains knowledge about how food is grown, and has the the opportunity to taste fresh foods straight from the garden. Also can encourage new cooking practices and exploration.

There are also so many ways to garden (even for those with self-proclaimed black thumbs)!

Flower Gardens-pots, containers, raised beds, backyards. You could even plant a small child’s flower garden in an old wheelbarrow. It it stands still and has drainage, go for it!

Water Gardens-soothing sounds, relaxing, filled with aquatics plants, fish and frogs

Vegetable Gardens-plant veggies you love and veggies that are new to you. Experiment and you might find some new favorites.

Herb Gardens-whether for cooking, medicinal uses, aromatherapy, or just plain beautification

Pollinator Garden/Native Plants Gardens: when you plant species that attract pollinators, you help the bee populations, which in turn help our food systems and natural habitat. A win-win for friends big and small. (Did you know? in 2019, 23.1 million adults, or 9% of population, converted part of their lawn to a natural or wildflower landscape. Source: National Wildlife Foundation)

Easy flowers and veggies to grow from seed:

Flowers-Poppies (simply throw into the garden at last snow!), Sunflowers, Penstemon

Dianthus-Cheddar Pinks, Lupine, Columbine, Eriogonum (wild buckwheat)

Veggies: Pumpkins, Lettuces, Green beans, Peas, Radishes, Carrots, Cucumbers, Beets, Zucchini, Allium (chives)

Other seeds of inspiration:

-Consider joining a seed swap with local gardeners

-Some community (book) libraries now have “seed libraries” and it’s a great way to acquire a few new specimens to try growing

-Put word out to local friends and see about swapping plant material-this gives you an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and fluff out your garden!

As pointed out in the book The Little Book of Lykke, Secrets of the World’s Happiest People (Wiking), gardening fosters our sense of connection, both to people and to our land. Gardening encourages us to think more about our food and our health and how those are connected. Beautifully and effortlessly, working with the land is a language that breeches all barriers, from age and sex, to race, religion, culture and abilities. It is ingrained in us and when we foster that connection, to both the land and others, we feel more fully connected and grounded to our world. And dare I say, hopeful.

(Originally published in E.P.I.C. Conscious Living Magazine, March/April 2021)

Photo credit: micheile-henderson-r7cvEQzOBGM-unsplash.jpg