June 3rd-9th Is National Garden Week
National Garden Week is the wonderful brainchild of National Garden Clubs, Inc. During the first week of June, National Garden Clubs, Inc. encourages us to celebrate the joy of gardening along with our community members and local garden club.
Some possible celebration ideas for you garden club from National Garden Clubs, Inc (NGC) include:
– Sponsor a hands-on “How Do You Select Flowers/Shrubs for Your Garden” workshop at an area nursery.
– Select a manageable blighted area with the cooperative efforts of another group and beautify it.
– Have some of your members conduct a garden tour that week–include a water garden, a vegetable garden, a rose garden–just to name a few.
– Have a “Getting to Know Us” event at the public library.
However you choose to honor the week, NGC suggests that you publicize your activity in order to receive maximum visibility.
If you have questions about National Garden Week and all that it entails, contact the National Garden Club Week Chairman, Elaine Di Pietro at edipietro33@aol.com
National Garden Clubs, Inc.
National Garden Week Proclamation
Whereas, Gardeners have a passion for nurturing the beauty and resources of the earth through the planting of seeds, the care of all plants and the riches of their efforts; and
Whereas, Gardeners seek to add beauty, splendor, fragrance and nutrition to our lives through the growing of herbs, vegetables, foliage and flowers; and
Whereas, Gardeners work to preserve our country’s traditional spirit of independence and initiative through innovation and hard work; and
Whereas, Gardeners advocate the importance of all creatures, large and small, that share our world and their roles in a balanced and productive ecology; and
Whereas, Gardening furnishes a challenging and productive activity for many citizens, for those just learning as well as those having years of experience; and
Whereas, Gardening promotes a healthy lifestyle that lasts a lifetime, helps reduce stress from other areas of our life, teaches that rewards can come from diligent efforts; and
Whereas, Gardening enables members of Garden Clubs across the nation and the world to serve others in the communities where they reside and work;
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that in an effort to acknowledge the importance of Gardening and the numerous contributions of Gardeners, National Garden Clubs, Inc. designates the week of June 3-9, 2012 as National Garden Week.
– Shirley S. Nicolai, 2011-2013 President, NGC, Inc.
Gardening for Health:
Researchers estimate that gardening can burn an average of 300 calories per hour, and heavy yard work and burn up to 600 calories or more per hour. They also state that gardening is an excellent way to lower the risk of cancer.
This awesome calorie burning is possible because gardening is a form of exercise that combines three important types of physical activity: endurance, flexibility, and strength. In addition, simply spending time in the garden and getting back to nature can have a positive effect on your emotional and mental health.
According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association, gardening can benefit people who are recovering from physical illness by retraining their muscles and improving coordination, balance, and strength. In addition, simply spending time in nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and relieves muscle tension.
But the cancer-protective benefits of gardening don’t end there. Studies show that gardeners eat a wider variety of vegetables (rich in disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals), and have a higher overall intake of vegetables than non-gardeners.
Have a great National Garden Week!! Now, get out there and garden!
Are you a fan of gardening? We’d love to hear all about it. Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to include any helpful hints you may have to help make the gardening experience the best that it can be.
