The face of gardening and even gardeners has changed a lot over the years.
It’s no longer a pastime that’s only enjoyed by our oumas en oupas, who could afford to plant a medley of fruits and vegetables on a large piece of land.
Today, your garden doesn’t even have to be outside the house for you to enjoy the fruits and vegetables of your labour.
A sizable windowsill and lots of sunlight is all you need for a herb garden, for example.
Later this month we celebrate the third annual National Garden Day.
On this day we’re meant to appreciate, and perhaps even start planting, our own gardens.
This has become one of my latest obsessions, although I’m more into houseplants than gardening.
Gardening has become a big trend, especially among millennials, and has many benefits.
A study by Arboretum, a Londonbased independent club for plant lovers showed that 42% out of 2000 people with mental illnesses said being around plants makes them calmer.
And a report by The King’s Fund sets out the wide-ranging health benefits of gardens and gardening from reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer, to helping to combat anxiety and stress.
Closer to home, in many parts of the Cape Flats, gardening has been used as a way to combat crime.
Communities have been claiming back vacant pieces of land which have become dumpsites and even gang battlefields and turning them into beautiful peace gardens.
Bonteheuwel residents are currently on a mission to save one of their peace gardens after the land was put up for auction.
Gardening is food for the soul. It makes us happy, connects us with nature and offers healing in the most natural of forms.
This week’s recipes are healthy meals you can make from your own garden.