Gardening and Its Meanings
A garden, by definition, is a carefully planned outdoor area, often outside, intended for personal enjoyment, the display or cultivation of various types of flora and other living things, as an ideally natural setting for solitary or social life. The single most distinguishing feature distinguishing even the most wildly wild garden from a perfectly suitable urban park is management. Managers can take many forms, but one of the most important is that of “green” design. Managers must take care not only to plant good flowers, shrubs, and trees, but also to shade the land and protect it from harsh weather.
The National Gardening Association advises: “Gardens in cities are much more active than gardens in rural areas.” That is because public housing tends to surround the residential area, so planting trees and bushes is not possible, while maintenance is more intensive. In contrast, the apartment building or the office building where maintenance is minimal will be ideally suited to a garden. In either case, the apartment or office is, obviously, not a garden. This may explain why a lot of apartment and office owners desire a garden in their yards – no matter what form they assume the garden to be.
Garden paths make a garden more interesting. Even a seemingly random house surrounded by green foliage can be made interesting by plants strung along the garden path. The basic problem with garden paths, however, is that they should not be used as a pastime by people who are simply going by, or as a method of transporting heavy loads. Some designers feel that a garden path along a sidewalk would look better than a curb in a front yard, and while both may have their place, both are equally inappropriate for the GARDEN.
Topsoil and garden soil should be compatible with each other. A common misconception, according to some experts, is that the topsoil cannot be planted near the base of trees because it clogs the roots. Another common misconception is that the topsoil cannot be mulched beneath trees. Neither of these misconceptions is true. While topsoil and tree roots are able to co-exist in a garden, plants should be mulched before they even leave the seed trays or containers, and then they can be toppedsoil when they need to be mulched again.
When an individual chooses a GARDEN, they are choosing not just any old garden, but a carefully chosen location that complement the natural environment of the GARDEN. The word “Garden” is derived from the Garden of Eden in the Bible. A GARDEN is designed in a specific way so as to bring the entire family together under one setting. This can include many different elements from flowers and shrubs to paths and plants. Whether creating a GARDEN on your own or purchasing one that has already been created, the primary objective is to provide a harmonious setting for all to enjoy.
In order for a GARDEN to be considered complete, it must contain a water feature such as a waterfall or fountain. Gardens can also include a pond or a fountain to add to its beauty. In order for a GARDEN to be categorized as “comfortable”, the plants should be in shades that complement each other and do not clash. An individual should consider the size of their yard when planting a GARDEN because this will dictate the number of shrubs, plants, and flowers that can be included. Some areas require more space than others, and this is why an individual should plan their garden so that it meets the needs of their GARDEN. Gardens can be cultivated throughout the year, and this is why an individual may have a garden right through the winter until spring.