Did you know that your very own ordinary backyard is actually very special existing habitat that contributes to a healthy habitat and therefore ecosystem? And when ecosystem is healthy, an environment is created which supports healthy humans. Pretty cool right? Yes right there in your own garden rests  homes for microorganisms, birds, butterflies and even you. How many habitat inhabitants can you count in the "Home" painting by commissioned artist Amy Frank. When all is healthy at this level, the larger picture is healthy- can you feel this in the painting? Also there is wonder, joy, mystery, passion, respite, refuge, reflection- Woa! So much! Yes truly. No need to go far for exploration or outing, it’s all right here.

The more we care and pay attention to our gardens, no matter how tiny, the more we care for ourselves, our families, and our community. For those without access to gardens, I urge you to visit your community gardens and parks. Even a few pots full of plants and tomatoes will provide this setting and bring comfort & joy.

Treasures await us in gardens if we just look. Sometimes there awaits instantaneous surprises! A deer and baby, wild ducks in the pond, a robin with a nest full of fledglings- so obvious. Sometimes we have to sit patiently and wait. Here we might notice as we relax and not think so much that we aren't so separate from the garden. Here we might realize that we are possibly more connected to its doings than we realize. 

What treasures await you in your garden? What can be added to create sanctuary for yourself and/or others? How do you feel in your garden in the morning, mid-day, evening? What might enhance that experience? Perhaps a shady spot for relaxation? Maybe some moon garden plantings? Or plants to attract musical and whimsical hummingbirds? A little pond in which the grandkids can catch polliwogs, a butterfly house or pollinator motel... all of this enhance a place of home which is essential for well-being. 

I wish you all of this and more. If you don't have access to this kind of place, please contact me so that I can help and direct you to resources which provide such habitat and wonder. Deb’s Gardening donates a garden once a year to those in need. Please contact us if you or someone you know might qualify for this offering. [email protected] 

Contact Deb's Gardening at http://debsgardening.com to set up a consultation on how you can make your garden an integral part of our ecosystem.