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Life is stressful. It can make us feel stuck and overwhelmed. It’s important to have hobbies that combat our stress and provide us with passion and joy, and gardening is the perfect hobby for that. It’s no secret that gardening is one of the best ways to connect with the Earth and create feelings of calm and focus to our otherwise busy minds.
Whether you’re new to gardening or have been doing it for years, there’s so much information available to us that it’s almost impossible to soak it all in. From flowers to plants, to vegetables, to seeds, to soil and sun exposure; there’s a lot to learn and a lot to consider during the planning phases of your gardening venture. Here are 5 resources you’ll wish you’d had known about:
1. Online Websites
I know it seems obvious; I mean who doesn’t use the internet for information these days? But you’d be surprised how much information is available right at your fingertips. Take your time to research and seek out gardener resources online to answer any and all questions. The best part about the internet is how it provides answers to any questions you may have; no matter how skilled or confident you are on your gardening journey.
2. Magazines
Magazines are still one of the best ways to learn and gain knowledge. hey make learning fun and exciting, as well as provide gorgeous pictures to give you that extra inspiration. They will also provide information as appropriate to the current date and weather, so you won’t have to sift through unnecessary information. There are so many magazines to choose from; a few being The English Garden, Fine Gardening, Country Gardens, and many more. Get yourself a couple of subscriptions and you’ll have monthly, beautiful inspiration delivered right to your doorstep.
3. Books
Yes, libraries still exist, and we could always take advantage of that endless resource. More than likely, your local library has a whole section on gardening books, which will discuss specific topics in detail. This gives you the option to narrow down your search and seek specific details. Librarians are great resources to use to help you seek out the best books to answer your questions.
On that note, don’t be afraid to poke your head in a few children’s books as well for some visual inspiration. Books like The Tale of Peter Rabbit, or The Secret Garden are chocked full of gorgeous garden designs and setups. It could be just the idea you’re looking for.
4. Clubs, Societies, & Organizations
There are so many clubs and organizations within most communities that many people aren’t even aware of. Take some time to check out your options in that regard because resources like this can be incredible. It’s common for these societies to be filled with men and women that have been gardening their whole lives and have knowledge that you just can’t find online or in a book. These people could be able to provide guidance and an understanding of the local soils and temperatures that you wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere. Many people seem to think that clubs like these are only for the elderly, but that’s not always the case! And even if it is the case, the wisdom they carry is endless and can really make or break your gardening designs.
5. Word of Mouth
Like the clubs, societies & organizations, get yourself out there talking with people. When you go to the gardening stores, chat up the clerks there. Ask around at the local gardening events, or even when picking up books and magazines at the stores and/or library. Stretch yourself outside your comfort zone and open to the idea that any person you encounter can teach you the best lessons, at any given point. Allow yourself to communicate and chat with the people around you. Gardening in a worldwide hobby, you never know who can give you the information you’ve been missing.
It can be overwhelming when you’re bombarded with information about gardening. Try to take your time and learn at your own pace. Don’t be afraid to try different things and to experiment with your garden designs. Most green-thumbed people I know had to go through a huge learning curve, so don’t be afraid to fail once and awhile. When it comes to soils and seeds and seasons, you’ll want to ensure you’re considering the specifics of your local area, and that’s where clubs, societies, organizations, and word of mouth will really come in handy. For almost anything else, you can be confident relying on websites, books, and magazines; as they tend to cover a more universal variety of topics. Don’t be shy, do your research and go get those hands dirty!
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This content is sponsored by Gary J Wilkinson.
Photo: Shutterstock