It’s something we associate with every single day. It’s there everywhere we go, in some shape or form but do we ever stop, wonder and say thanks? Show the full appreciation that they deserve or listen to their stories? They stand there, day in and out and never give out or ask for a promotion.
Plants, flowers and trees are the very items we depend on for our very existence, understanding the process of how they uptake carbon dioxide and release it as oxygen. For example, a single tree can produce about 120 kilogrammes of oxygen a year. That’s enough for a family of four!
Our diets depend heavily on plant-based recipes; corn, wheat, rice, vegetables and fruits. We have been able to modify to suit our wants and desires, flavours and colours. Did you know the original colour of a carrot is purple? Or have you ever googled what the first corn actually looked like?
But plants don’t just produce the food we depend on or the air we breathe, they pose so much more than just this. For me, plants and the natural world has always been a sanctuary and escape route from the real world. From a very young age, I developed an interest and passion, I became a plant fanatic. I spent days reading through horticulture literature and then many more days experimenting; plant propagation techniques, colours and much more.
One of my most passionate areas within the plant world is propagation. The whole idea of how a single seed or single stem could be growing to replicate the parent material is truly fascinating. Seeing the plant develop through the various stages and maturing is so rewarding. Discovering the knack on how to successfully propagate will continue to challenge and fill me with wonder.
What I would you like you, the reader to do, is next time you are eating a piece of fruit, examine the seeds and give thought to how they can transpire into a fully functioning plant. If you could even go one step further and purchase some seed and seed compost, then sow the seed and see it germinate. Once they have germinated take the pride and sense of achievement on accomplishing this. (P.S I can almost guarantee you will be hooked after this little experiment.)
Although horticulture has many branches that transpire into many benefits I have recently embarked on a study course into horticulture therapy. This is an emerging field of clinical practice based on proven benefits to the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing that accrues from gardening as a healing or therapeutic process. This has really opened my eyes to the true power of horticulture for physical and mental health. There is definitely way too much information to delve into this area in a single article but I would like to give you a flavour of some of these powers.
The five senses, touch, smell, taste, sight and hearing can be all associated with plants in one form or another.
Touch is through the various forms of bark, leaf shapes and textures. We tend to do it unaware when we walk past a plant. Perhaps it’s the glossy leaf or the rough bark that draws us in.
Smell is through fragrant flowers and leaves, lavender, lilac, roses. Every species of plant has an individual smell, some we enjoy and some that are revolting.
Taste is one of the obvious ones with the edible fruits and vegetables we acquire, strawberries and apples. By producing a fruit it helps the parent plant to avail of a wider area of seed dispersion. The array of different tastes achieved from a wide of plants is astonishing – bitter, acidic, sweet etc.
Sight is one of the defining elements of plants due to the fact that the can help alter our moods. Looking at and being surrounded by nature can be hugely calming and restorative for the mind. Some interesting thoughts on how nature impacts our wellbeing here.
Hearing is through the wind or mechanical movement of flower heads, seed pods or leaves. We can find solitude and comfort in these sounds, it reminds us of nature and the wonders of it.
Horticulture is powerful. It has been a powerful healing force in my life. Its importance to us is infinitive and the more we understand and appreciate it then it will continue to provide us with many wonders and joy. I would highly encourage you all to get out into your garden or visit the many wonderful gardens we have on this little island. I promise you that you won’t look back.
I hope you have enjoyed this short article on horticulture. If you have any questions or suggestions please don’t hesitate to get in contact through any of my social media pages. Thanks.
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