I was going to write about the obesity epidemic, and the news reports that show it’s worsening across the nation, yet … what on earth is there left to say about that? Plant a Victory Garden and eat fresh, organic whole food? Explore your walkshed every day? Enough. How many times can I beat that dead horse?
So, there I was once again, with a fistful of herbs, heading to a neighbor’s house when it hit me: Something to share. Surely it’s one of the most important health benefits of keeping a garden.
Ever since I have had my garden, I have had something to share. I no longer show up empty handed. No one ever leaves my house without something, and I am never stuck needing to run to the store in rush hour rain when I want to thank someone who has done me a kindness, or want to give a little pick-me-up to someone in pain. I save jars to fill with flowers and herbs, and leave them on doorsteps like old-time milk deliveries.
The folks to whom I give these things appreciate them, but I know that I’m the one who really gets the gift.
Forget the diet benefits of gardening. There are health benefits – connections to other people – that should not be overlooked. When push comes to shove, isn’t this all we really want? A way to share?
Eco-writerPattie Baker lives near Atlanta, Georgia, where she raises gardens and kids, and writes sustainability blogs atwww.foodshedplanet.com andwww.sustainabledunwoody.com.
