Gardens matter…to the environment and its wildlife, to the community, and to our bodies, minds, and spirits.
At the May Social I asked the members to write down how gardening and the Garden Club matters to them. Some of the answers were: I feel like we are helping to make Lafayette a better place; LGC has given me a knowledge of gardening; friendships in bloom; I love plants and those who love them; greatest therapy; gives us exercise and fresh air; brings beauty to the yard and to bring it indoors; improves environment; invites pollinators; enjoyment; way of life.
All of these reasons are why gardening and Lafayette Garden Club are important to me. When I joined Lafayette Garden Club, I never realized how much the club does for the community and gardening; but when I became responsible for the Publicity Press Book, all of the pieces that make LGC so amazing clicked into place. Pages of community service- Arbor Day plantings, Cleanest City, Cleanest School, School Litter Poster Contest, serving hamburgers for Trash Bash and Hazardous Waste days, Civic Pride and Garden of the Month; but we could use some help. The photos show the same members do a lot of the work. Come join us to make a difference to the Lafayette Community and grow friendships- gardeners make wonderful friends!
Speaking of friends, please take the time to reach out to new (and old) members. It doesn’t help to get people to join if no one makes them feel at home. Encourage them to be on your committees and become part of our garden community.
We are working on a project to create mini pollinator gardens for parish classrooms to help them learn the importance of pollinators and observe them firsthand. You can do the same. Invite pollinators into your backyard (and front, too)! Create a pollinator garden.
Some scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, and beetles and other insects. Pollination powers the planet. If Enola May can put in a pollinator garden, so can you!
Enjoy your garden. Gardening boosts physical and mental health. It’s not only great exercise but it can alleviate anxiety and depression. Scientists have found that working with soil improves our mood. A bacterium in soil releases serotonin, which reduces anxiety. The scent of a fragrant lily or a sprig of rosemary lowers cortisol levels- the ‘stress hormone’ leading to a feeling of well being and serenity. Seeing the rewards of your efforts in thriving plants, beautiful blossoms, and ripe produce reinforce feelings of happiness.
Remember:
“To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body but the soul.” (Alfred Austin)
“Gardening is cheaper than therapy- and you get tomatoes.” (unknown)
I am very proud to be Lafayette Garden Club’s new President and I will do my best to help it flourish!
Linda Beyt
Lafayette Garden Club President
At the May Social I asked the members to write down how gardening and the Garden Club matters to them. Some of the answers were: I feel like we are helping to make Lafayette a better place; LGC has given me a knowledge of gardening; friendships in bloom; I love plants and those who love them; greatest therapy; gives us exercise and fresh air; brings beauty to the yard and to bring it indoors; improves environment; invites pollinators; enjoyment; way of life.
All of these reasons are why gardening and Lafayette Garden Club are important to me. When I joined Lafayette Garden Club, I never realized how much the club does for the community and gardening; but when I became responsible for the Publicity Press Book, all of the pieces that make LGC so amazing clicked into place. Pages of community service- Arbor Day plantings, Cleanest City, Cleanest School, School Litter Poster Contest, serving hamburgers for Trash Bash and Hazardous Waste days, Civic Pride and Garden of the Month; but we could use some help. The photos show the same members do a lot of the work. Come join us to make a difference to the Lafayette Community and grow friendships- gardeners make wonderful friends!
Speaking of friends, please take the time to reach out to new (and old) members. It doesn’t help to get people to join if no one makes them feel at home. Encourage them to be on your committees and become part of our garden community.
We are working on a project to create mini pollinator gardens for parish classrooms to help them learn the importance of pollinators and observe them firsthand. You can do the same. Invite pollinators into your backyard (and front, too)! Create a pollinator garden.
Some scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, and beetles and other insects. Pollination powers the planet. If Enola May can put in a pollinator garden, so can you!
Enjoy your garden. Gardening boosts physical and mental health. It’s not only great exercise but it can alleviate anxiety and depression. Scientists have found that working with soil improves our mood. A bacterium in soil releases serotonin, which reduces anxiety. The scent of a fragrant lily or a sprig of rosemary lowers cortisol levels- the ‘stress hormone’ leading to a feeling of well being and serenity. Seeing the rewards of your efforts in thriving plants, beautiful blossoms, and ripe produce reinforce feelings of happiness.
Remember:
“To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body but the soul.” (Alfred Austin)
“Gardening is cheaper than therapy- and you get tomatoes.” (unknown)
I am very proud to be Lafayette Garden Club’s new President and I will do my best to help it flourish!
Linda Beyt
Lafayette Garden Club President