The Zen of Gardening

     With the growing season starting to wind down I was thinking about how much I enjoy gardening. If your a gardener you get it, if your not you don't. The IT I'm talking about is in the title of this post. The technical term for Zen is: a Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the value of meditation and intuition.  

     Another way to look at it is a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind. I think probably most westerners view it as feeling peaceful and relaxed. I know I certainly feel that way when I walk around my garden. But as you know a garden doesn't BECOME all by itself.

     Many people view yard work as just that, work. I consider it a form of creating. To take dirt and make something of beauty. I have numerous posts on my blog about different areas of our yard that we have transformed.  Was it a lot of work, yes, but for me the pleasure I derive from my garden far out weighs the work that went into it. 

     What started out as nothing but dirt and weeds is now an oasis. With over thirty trees where there were none.  Flowers, shrubs, fruits and vegetables to delight all the senses.

     We get lots of compliments on our yard. Everyone marvels at how large it is and how beautiful. But the majority of people say the same thing; "I'd love this yard but it looks like too much work." Yes it is probably more work then most people would like, but it isn't near as much as you might think. My husband has a riding lawn mower which cuts down on mowing time. We use mulch to reduce weeds and retain moisture. We don't work in the garden everyday, depending on the time of year maybe 2 -3 times a week. Probably our busiest time is early spring; cutting back and cleaning beds to get ready for the new growing season.

Spring time in our yard

     Most of our plants are shrubs or perennials so the only planting we do in the spring are some annuals in pots and our vegetable garden.

     And of course at the end of summer what is better then the harvest. 

     Gardening can be good exercise. You can burn 150 to 200 calories in 30 minutes. Volley ball is 93, tennis 260, basketball 258, jogging 300-450. I was never very good at sports so I never became attached to playing any.  I do enjoy swimming (250) and bike riding (150). But mostly I walk (150-200) and garden for exercise. But what I like most about gardening is how I can get lost in the moment of whatever I'm doing; whether it's planting, weeding or pruning. It truly is a togetherness of body and mind.  

     Fall brings the beauty of changing colors but also the work (exercise of raking leaves).  And then winter covers everything with a blanket of snow giving the garden a quite beauty.

     Then it all starts over again when the daffodils tell me it is officially spring.

     If you feel the need to garden, not just work in the yard, then you feel       the zen.

A thought to ponder: "The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul."                                                                                       Alfred Austin

Participating in:Share the Joy, Through My Lens, Nature Notes, Share Your Cup, Grand Social

Winter Wonderland

     We headed south right after Christmas to visit our granddaughter, oh and also the daughter and son-in-law. The weather here in Southern California has been cool, 40's at night to 60's F during the day, with some rain. But not as cold as back in Wyoming where it's hitting single digits at night and 30's during the day. I won't be doing much on my blog while here, too busy with family fun. So I thought I'd share a few favorite winter pictures I've taken over the last few years.

A view from my bedroom window

Our resident pheasant, Morty, in winter

This is our dog Wally, he loves the snow. He'll race around and sometimes hops like a deer through the white stuff. He always looks so happy when he rolls around in it.

These ducks hang out at the creek even in winter. This is near the walking path.     See A Morning Walk

A snowy day in our backyard

Another shot from my bedroom window after a snow. The following photos were taken the same day. Our backyard can really look like a winter wonderland especially right after a snowfall.

A few close up shots.

This was a very cold day last January but our grandson still wanted to go out and build a snow fort.

     Where ever you live, in a cold climate or warm, I hope the new year brings your heart's desire.

A thought to ponder: We are like a snowflake, all different in our own beautiful                                            way.

Participating in: Grand Social, Share the Joy, Share Your Cup