The Healing Power of a Garden by C.A. Human T
oday, the public is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of good eating habits, as well as the value and significance of safe and more nutritious food sources. While media campaigns emphasize convenient, pre-packaged “faux foods” for our, “hurry up, go faster and work harder,” lifestyles, Mother Earth patiently waits for us to see the sunlight. One result of the renewed interest in nutritional awareness is that individuals are beginning to un- derstand the importance of growing their own fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit. From gardens—in back- yards, terraces, patios, window sills and even green
Brent Knoll
walls—come many emotional and spiritual blessings that reach far beyond better health and a reduced grocery store bill. Saving money is certainly a benefit, but far more magical is the simple act of creating and growing something on your own or with your family.
Whenever we plant our intention in the form of a seed and something comes of it, we grow, as well. Individuals who till, fertilize, water, weed and dig to plant and grow their seeds learn about one of the most powerful ways to connect with nature and the energy that sustains us all. They also get to participate in one of the most rewarding relationships: taking care of Mother Earth, who humbly and bountifully returns the favor.
As we plant, cultivate and nurture a garden, it engenders a love for living things, and we develop knowledge, patience and compassion. In return for our care, the garden provides us with nourishment for body and soul—a sense of ac- complishment, empowerment and a deeper connection with the food we eat, ben- efits that Brent Knoll, a Miami-based organic gardening expert, has been enjoying for more than 20 years.
Knoll will draw from his many years of lifestyle training, personal gardening and teaching others as he presents a workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., February 26, at the Happehatchee Center. The charity event, which benefits the center, is designed for both novice and experienced gardeners.
“I’ll begin my three-hour lecture by whipping up some breakfast smooth- ies with my super-duper blender,” says Knoll. “Then, we’ll move on to learning about food-based healing, which generally begins with information on red beets, an exceptional food for cleaning the blood. Later, we’ll spend time in the organic garden at Happehatchee and talk about the healing benefits of growing our own food.”
Teaching others about how to prevent and reverse disease with food and lifestyle changes comes easily to Knoll, who grew up on the concept. “I’m from the country,” he grins, noting that he is developing a nonprofit garden project in Miami, called Healing Gardens Miami. “People are always surprised to learn that just the simple act of taking responsibility for the land and making time to work with it can produce miraculous results that reach far beyond their garden and their body,” says Knoll.
Suggested workshop donation: $25. Location: 8791 Corkscrew Rd., Estero 33928. For more info, call 888-849-9992 or visit
HappehatcheeCenter.org. See ad, page 35.
natural awakenings February 2011 29
Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all
the paint on it you can. ~Danny Kaye
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