You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt.-Author Unknown

I wrote the little little story below for the Roundhouse recreation guide last fall and feel every bit as excited, thrilled and inspired to be getting back to the garden now. If you've been thinking about starting a garden, just do it!

Honestly, If I can do it anybody can..♥

If someone told me a year and a half ago that I would be growing my own food, I would never have believed it.The thought had honestly never occurred to me. Not once. Nobody in my family grew plants. I actually don’t recall seeing a single houseplant during my entire childhood!

At one of the yoga classes I teach, a participant (and now friend and garden buddy!) mentioned that she was getting on a list for a plot at a community garden in our neighborhood, and I found myself a little intrigued…

I decided to attend a garden meeting to find out what it was all about, and couldn’t believe that I got a plot right away! I was both scared and excited. I didn’t know a single thing about gardening. But you know what? It doesn’t matter! Having a garden is one of best things I have ever done. I couldn’t recommend it more highly, and the food couldn’t be more delicious! I am saving money, eating the most delicious organic food, and lightening my carbon footprint. I am also greatly enjoying being more involved in my community.

I am literally brimming with happiness over my garden.

The therapeutic benefits of gardening are absolutely endless, and well documented. Studies have shown that simply looking at a plant can reduce stress, and lower blood pressure. You get to engage all your senses, while getting out into the open air. It is also a mindful practice in which we are reminded about the cycle of life.

You could grow vegetables, flowers, herbs, or a combination of things. You could garden in your community with others, or you could garden on your window ledge, in containers, on your fire escape, rooftop, or even other people’s backyards.

I cannot recommend enough, growing your own food. There is such an incredible satisfaction in watching your garden grow.

And for children, the benefits are truly endless. Studies have shown that once kids see where their food comes from, they will make healthier food choices, while learning patience, self-sufficiency, self-esteem and environmental awareness.

There are countless resources out there for getting started, and people who know how to garden love to help and share their wisdom, and even they will admit that sometimes things don’t grow, or they die.

Oh well…just plant something else!

For me it’s all one big, fun, tasty experiment in which I get to play in the dirt and connect with the earth.

And the harvest? Now, That’s the best part!