Hartley Magazine

All the latest news, hints, tips and advice from our experts

People ‘are drawn to gardens by their DNA’

There is something in people's DNA that means they are hard-wired to be drawn to gardens, according to master gardener Gloria Kupferman.

In an article for The Wenatchee World, she suggested a "fascination with the gift of flowers goes back to the beginning of life in the Garden of Eden, where love began".

The expert claimed she found a picture of herself smiling at a dandelion as an infant, adding she can still be made to feel that enthusiastic many years later.

It was suggested keen horticulturalists could take advantage of this by thinking about what mood the colors of their garden can instil in others.

For instance, Valentine's Day is often marked by the exchange of flowers – specifically red roses – between lovers.

Ms Kupferman noted more importance is placed on flowers for that occasion than any other, speculating this could be due to the color of the rose symbolising passion.

Indeed, the plant – the name of which derives from the Latin rosa – is also associated with Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation.

However, the expert asserted the importance of putting work into a garden in order to make the most of the green space, describing the individual's relationship with the outdoors as being akin to a love song, citing many poems written about the peace and joy they bring to people.

"A love relationship is a two-way street. That's the way it is with a garden, too," she explained, emphasising the importance of using appropriate materials to look after plants.

"I was amazed when I saw the results from mulching the vegetable garden and flower beds with my homemade compost and aged manure," Ms Kupferman explained, adding she remembers the summer when she learned how much more beneficial this was compared with using chemical fertilizers.

"I am now an avid composter, and yes, my garden loves me back," she remarked, noting there are a great deal more things that gardeners can learn.

People are also able to use their handiwork as a source of gifts for friends, family and loved ones, as "there are few greater joys in life than the gift of a plant".

For example, Ms Kupferman said she gave a young relative a bouquet of dahlias, adding that watching the child delight in the colors and pick her favourite blossom has brought them both a great deal of pleasure.