A garden is essentially a carefully planned outdoor space, designed as an ideal location for cultivation, the show, or simply enjoyment of various forms of nature and plants. The singular defining feature distinguishing even the wildest garden from its formal counterpart is control over the environment within which it exists. By contrast, in the case of nuclear families residing in suburban environments, the family establishes itself as the ruler of the garden, imposing its rules upon it and dictating what it must be seen to be. In this way, the true meaning of a garden comes to resemble nothing so much as a prison cell.
Controlling the garden is not, however, an easy task, since it implies knowledge of the function of plants, their physiology, and the soil and its chemistry in relation to each. Most people have no real knowledge of how plants grow, what composting needs to achieve desirable results or how to aerate a garden to encourage growth. Consequently, even the most attentive gardener will spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how to best position a plant so that it benefits from the sun and shade, how to provide it with water, and how to fertilize and maintain it. Frequently, this leaves a gardener with an empty wallet and no garden.
Fortunately, with some careful planning and a little forethought, it is possible for a gardener to establish a self-sustaining garden that is both aesthetically pleasing and useful. Many gardens started as small efforts by gardeners who had a few plants of interest and some gardening experience. Now, these gardens have expanded and include everything from exotic shrubs to beautiful ornamentals. The best part of this transformation is that all of these plants are ready to grow, harvest, and profit from the gardening experience, without the assistance of a professional gardener.
One way that beginning gardeners can ensure they’re on the right track is by making sure the site for their garden meets all of the building codes. It’s important to locate a sunny and well drained location since the initial efforts will be focused on providing all of the conditions necessary for a healthy garden. For instance, planting beds, flower beds, and planters are all better places to start because these devices are designed to provide the plants with all the basic needs of a growing environment. Beds often come with a liner or framework that helps contain soil when filled with soil or sand and then topped off with topsoil. The bed provides a place for roots to absorb water, minerals, and air while providing support for the plant as it grows. Planters often have trellises and other structures that provide protection to the plants while allowing them to thrive and bloom.
Beyond providing a simple structure for the plants to climb and grow, the location of a garden should also be considered when deciding on what crops it will grow. Gardens that are located too close to buildings, roads, sidewalks, and other objects can often become dangerous if struck by a vehicle, so careful planning is required. Another thing to consider is whether or not certain vegetables and fruits need to be grown in direct sunlight or if they need to be planted in partial shade due to the heat of the summer or the cold of the winter months.
While a garden provides a great place for gardening, it also provides many different types of experiences. Many people get pleasure from watching the flowers bloom, but many others enjoy the challenge of growing different types of plants. Gardening is not only a relaxing hobby but also offers many opportunities to learn about nature. Growing a garden takes patience, time, and attention to detail. Whether a gardener wants to grow fruits and vegetables for personal consumption or to sell, they’ll find there are many different types of gardening to suit every taste. Gardening can be an enjoyable and educational experience for anyone who cares to explore.
