DIY Network

Speed Has No Place in a Garden

Master gardener Joe Lamp'l, host of Fresh from the Garden, suggests using the garden as a place to slow down.

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Nurseries have reported a decline in sales in the past few years.

Life's too harried; let's not speed gardening as well

By Joe Lamp'l

I've been fascinated with consumer trends in gardening for some time. I think it's because I'm so involved in what people are doing in and around their gardens. So it helps to know how they believe they'll spend their time and money in the future.

I don't like what I see.

Although gardening remains America's No. 1 pastime, nurseries have reported declines in sales over the past few years. The media, along with consumer trade groups and others, have taken note. Millions of dollars are spent each year researching the reasons why sales are flat or declining and why gardening shows and books aren't as popular as before.

To me, one answer stands out: We're far too busy. People are not as interested in gardening because they feel they don't have the time anymore. Former avid gardeners are throwing in the trowel on existing gardens, and potential gardeners are shying away from any outdoor activity associated with the word "maintenance."

I believe being too busy is exactly the reason we need to garden. These days we want everything now so we can get on to the next task. Even microwave popcorn that once only took three minutes has a new-and-improved version that pops more quickly.

This quick fix, results-oriented mentality that has taken over our lives has now found its way into gardening. Plants are being developed that are considered goof-proof, so we don't have to take the time to water or care for them. There's even a seed company that now offers a line of pre-hardened off seedlings so we don't have to bother with acclimating them to the environment before planting.

As a passionate gardener who never seems to have any spare time, I should be thrilled with this news. And yet, I find it sad. To me, one of the greatest pleasures of gardening is in the process. It's the act of gardening as much as the results.

I understand and in some ways appreciate the efforts to make gardening easier and more convenient. It at least allows some to garden who would otherwise choose another activity. But I hope we all slow done enough to appreciate the subtleties of gardening. That's where the real beauty is. In fact, it is the very slowness of gardening that allows me to catch my breath and to escape the otherwise crazy pace on any given day.

I need gardening to remain slow and not be too convenient. I don't mind the labor it sometimes requires. At least it reminds me to get out and pay a visit. I don't look at gardening as a chore--I look at it as an opportunity.

Let's find ways to save time in other areas of our lives so we can spend more down time in the garden, enjoying the process.

(Joe Lamp'l, a master gardener, hosts DIY's Fresh from the Garden as well as a gardening radio show. For more information, visit www.joegardener.com.)

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