Gardening as a form of relaxation
However, according to horticulturist Peter Mortimer, gardening is a relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed by people from any age group.
Mortimer says gone are the days when gardening was only for people with “green fingers”, but that gardening is for anyone who is prepared to learn.
“Yes you sweat, have aches and pains, but when you see the buds blooming, then it’s all worth it,” he says.
“There is nothing more relaxing than planting and watching the plant grow over time,” he adds.
Mortimer also says that food gardening has become very popular because of the fluctuating economy, and people want to cut down food costs.
Lesley Greenwood is new to the world of gardening and only started this hobby in February.
She loves growing her own herbs and cooking with them.
“Its suprising that what you think is a weed in your garden, you can actually eat,” she says.
Pam Ford says gardening is not for everyone. She loves gardening because it’s a physical workout, but says it’s also very relaxing sitting with the birds and getting lost in ones thoughts.
“You’ve got to have it in you to garden, my father loved it and that’s how I got into it,” she says.
Mortimer advises beginner gardeners to learn the basics and buy a good gardening book as an investment.
“You should know whether the plant is from a hot or cold climate, whether it’s a thirsty plant or dry resistant, and if it needs shade or sun. Patience is key when it comes to gardening,” he emphasises.
According to him, Boksburg gardeners are buying colourful plants to add sunshine to the gloomy weather.
He says the most popular plant at the moment is the Osteospermum, which is the African Daisy, adding that the popularity of plants changes with the seasons.
“Gardening arouses all your senses, you touch and feel the soil, smell the scent of the plant, taste the flavours, see the beauty and hear the sound of water,” he explains.
Mortimer says gardening was popular before the advent of satellite TV, but it won’t go out of fashion.
