18/05 - Category: Family, Health & Wellbeing, Home

To poke a wood fire is more solid enjoyment than almost anything else in the world. -- Charles Dudley Warner

Gardening is one of my passions. I wouldn’t go so far as to call myself a green thumb, but it’s definitely something that inspires me. One part of my garden that I’m particularly proud of, is my vegetable patch. There are a couple of reasons I find it so appealing.

Firstly, I like the concept of self-sufficiency. When I open the fridge and we’ve run out of salad it’s fantastic to duck outside, cut some wild rocket, tomatoes and basil and in an instant we have one - no shop involved! I also find it’s a lovely activity to enjoy with my children.

In addition to salad and vegetables, my garden also has some established citrus trees. In season, oranges and lemons are fruits we have in abundance. I use them in cooking, to make jams and of course, fresh orange juice for breakfast.

But I want to extend the idea of self-sustainability further. For example, we use lots of eggs, and I’ve recently heard about places that supply chickens and coops to city homes, which has led me to contemplate a brood of our own.

So it was with interest that I read about some research in the United States which revealed in these tough economic times “recession gardens” are very much in vogue. The desire for self-sufficiency to reduce the weekly food budget is motivating many to diversify. In fact, according to the American National Gardening Association, maintaining a productive vegetable garden can yield a return of up to $US500 a year.

I think this reflects the way that many of us are reacting to this economic crisis by returning to some of the more traditional pursuits. If gardening does not inspire you then perhaps baking, sewing or knitting might be something worth pursuing.

The financial benefit is one thing, but I’m also finding the satisfaction that comes from doing something yourself can be its own reward. I’d love to hear what you’re doing to help manage costs, while improving the way you live.

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