Gardening For The Mind And Body
Medical research has long established that regular, gentle exercise – bending, stretching, pulling – not only prolongs but also improves quality of life. In this sense, a garden is a permanent personal trainer-in-residence. As the first lady demonstrated vividly in her inaugural garden photograph, a determined smile and strong back are worth a thousand words.
In addition, the psychic rewards of a life lived intimately with plants have been documented since time began. Gardens have been the birthplace of art, poetry, music, medicine, and scientific discovery.
Finally, when compared with store-bought produce that has been picked unripe and shipped hundreds of miles over several weeks, a vine-ripened tomato, freshly dug potato, or just-picked muskmelon possesses flavors that are without comparison. It is primarily for this last reason – which is the unreason of pure delight – that gardens have been the image and symbol of paradise throughout history and across cultures.
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