You've come a long way since the first lesson. It
is time to contemplate the meanings of our actions.
Why are we spending all this time with a silly old plant, anyway? What do we need plants for? Well, plants are good for you. Whether you’re spending your cheap package holidays to Spain or just resting on your chair at your backyard. Let's look at few of the ways they help.
Plants give off oxygen. Yup. Your car spits our
exhaust, but a plant will suppy you with oxygen as
it eats up carbon dioxide. Which is benefit number
two.
Plants get rid of carbon dioxide from the air. They
eat it up, and turn it into energy for themselves
and oxygen for the rest of us.
Some plants can be eaten. They provide us with fruits,
berries, vegetables, and herbs. When you grow these
yourself, and avoid pesticides and chemicals, you
get some really fabulous edibles.
Some plants are medicinal. You can actually use
them as you would medicine from a store. (Many medicines
are simply chemically-recreated versions of things
found in nature.)
Some plants give us shade. Trees come to mind. In
addition to helping to protect us from the elements,
trees and bushes are homes for insects, birds, and
small animals. Not only do you get a plant, you also
get an animal...
Plants help you relax. I'm not talking about the
joys of gardening. I'm talking about sitting back
and looking at a plant you are helping to grow, admiring
its simple complexity and noticing the slow changes
it goes through. You can let your mind wander for
a little while.
You get exercise. OK, not a lot of exercise, maybe,
but you are carrying that water around, right? That
bag of dirt was kind of heavy, wasn't it?
Take some time to appreciate all that plants do
for you. You might even want to thank them.
Lesson 11: Four Year Basil
And Other Oddities
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