As for the effect that gardening can have on a person, I've seen
wonderful things happen to children and adolescents. Children take such
pride in their own accomplishments and that is clear with gardening. For
them to have planted a seed and then to see it sprout into something as
big as themselves amazes them. I'm not saying little terrors became
angels, but to have a class of kindergarteners (what an appropriate
term!) sit quietly, completely focused, for 15 uninterrupted minutes as
seedlings are being transplanted feels like quite an accomplishment.
Gardening's effect really depends on how you approach it. If you simply
take it on as a job of planting and harvesting, it can be short, quick,
and utilitarian. With a sizable garden it can even become drudgery. But
if the garden is an educational setting, you could spend your whole life
there learning. With kids it can be part of a bigger program aimed at
increasing their appreciation for nature, where their food comes from,
and better nutrition. I really can't believe that gardening doesn't do
something good for people. Even the old crab is probably that much
happier in his garden than in front of the TV. The point for me is not
to make everyone a saint, but to widen their horizons, and as Dave Finnie
said, to have a minimal impact on the environment in feeding ourselves.
Lauri Scharf
Arlington, MA