Random Inspirations is a regular feature here on Holistic Chick where I post random inspirations either on green living, natural eating, relaxation, positive thinking & living, inspirational thoughts or stories - anything that could inspire, to encourage positive change and to be random...which is something I do quite well :) If you have any random inspirations you'd like to share or get me to feature on here, I'd love to hear them!
**Today, I'd like to inspire you to grow a garden, or to at least start thinking about growing one in the (near) future...**
 |
| source |
This year was the second Summer since our move (or return) to the country and our first year planting our very own garden. We've planted a lot of veggies: cucumbers, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, green beans, red bell peppers, and corn - even tomatoes though I know those are technically a fruit I still think of them as veggies >.< Everything has been growing quite nicely - especially with the recent and overdue rainfall, so I thought I'd start by showing how everything is coming along:
.jpg)
from left to right: broccoli, corn, cauliflower, red bell peppers (click to enlarge)
from left to right: cabbages, cucumbers, tomatoes (click to enlarge)
(**we have a bit of an ant issue, in that they have completely taken over the yard, including the garden - note the cauliflower leaves. If anyone has any tested and natural ways to rid a garden of ants, please let me know in the comments below.**)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I also have my own little herb section, where I've planted peppermint, basil, parsley, oregano and thyme...even catnip - can't forget the kitties!
from left to right: curly parsley, french thyme, oregano, peppermint (my pride & joy ♥)
from left to right: catnip, english lavender, and sweet basil (click to enlarge)
For me personally, it feels like second nature to have my own garden. Growing up, I spent most week-ends and every Summer at my grand-parent's house by the ocean and my grand-mother always had multiple gardens. She cared for it daily and you could often find her bending over her cucumbers, or tending to her carrot crop, even picking fresh tomatoes right off the vine for the evening supper! As my grand-parents have aged and can no longer tend to their own garden, I love seeing my mother now growing her own garden and having my own crops to tend to makes me feel closer to the days of my youth spent helping grandma tend to her fruits & veggies...♥
 |
| via Raw for Beauty |
Gardening is a great way to get fresh fruits, veggies and herbs handy - by doing all the planting and growing yourself, you can decide how to grow them: with organic soil & fertilizer, free from harmful pesticides, chemicals and non-GMO...plus there's nothing more local than your own backyard!
Gardening is therapeutic, calming and definitely grounding (no pun intended) - it really fills you a sense of purpose. The food you grow yourself not only tastes better, it nourishes your very essence and your spirit ~
 |
| Shared via Kitchen Therapist's Facebook Page |
 |
| via Not Buying Anything |