A Message From Our Gardener Tony
“After a wet winter and very wet soil conditions ,the last month or so has been great – the soil is warmer and drier and we have been adding our compost that we made during the winter months and have been planting many of our summer vegetable. They are really taking off as the conditions have been perfect for Spring growth. Some of our winter crops are coming to an end with the broccoli just about finished and the cauliflower looking like the last of them needs to be harvested”
Tony Still – Gardens and Maintenance
“Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of humanity.” – Daniel Webster
Finding Joy in the Garden
Caring for your Garden is a practice of mindfulness. Connecting with the Earth, Papatuanuku, your mind naturally begins to feel calmer and connected, bringing a sense of joy and internal happiness.
Spring is the perfect time to begin your journey of joyful, mindful Gardening as everything is rapidly growing. It’s also a great time of year for us to take some time to reset as well, for the year ahead.
“We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us.” – Jenny Uglow
How to 'Unplug' and be present in the Garden
Finding the time to stop and put energy into the garden can seem like an arduous task. However, it can greatly enhance mental, physical, and spiritual Well-Being. Letting go of the ‘to do’ lists and creating space to sit in silence; to feel the earth, to touch the soil, and to notice the plants around you already in bloom. This awareness allows for deeper connection to nature and yourself. Here are some tips to ‘unplug’ and be present in the Garden.
- Turn off your devices and listen the sounds of nature.
- Try to slow down and be aware of the process rather than the outcome.
- Take notice of your planting and appreciate every action you take; from preparing the soil to planting seeds.
- As you plant each seed/plant, try to silently offer your intentions i.e. ‘may you grow healthy and strong’.
- Be gentle with your actions, treating your plants like a newborn baby, ready for growth and nurturing.
- Water gently with care.
“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul” – Alfred Austin.
Join us for a Mana Community Garden Day
We regularly hold Community Garden Day’s for mindful Gardening. together. This is a great way to get involved with Community and to discover the joy of Gardening. Keep up to date on our Community Events page for our next Garden Day at Mana.
“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.” —May Sarton
Sustainability
Everything we do, we do it with the intention of treading lightly on the planet. The Gardens at Mana are a big part of our sustainable living; providing round nourishment for our guests and staff. All are welcome to spend time in the garden – whether you want to sit and observe or be involved and share in mindful gardening.
We also have a carbon offset initiative where guests and visitors can plant a tree on the land. Please talk to Tony (Gardener) or Amrit (Centre Manager) if you wish to plant a tree and support us on our journey towards a sustainable future.
Article written by the Mana team.
