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. 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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