Xeriscaping and even more so, naturalistic gardening (naturalistic gardening means to closely imitate the nature, to garden with native plants) have many benefits for our immediate as well as global nature space. They both:

• conserve the water (estimated 40 to 60% of our water supplies are used for watering the landscapes, mostly lawns)
• minimize the use of fertilizers (less pollution - rainfall runoff washes the fertilizers into our sources of drinking water)
• minimize the use of pesticides, which are killing beneficial insects and pests alike.

Every homeowner appreciates the view of surrounding yard, filled with vegetation; bursting into new life in spring, blooming in summer, changing colors in fall and dormant in winter under the peaceful, white blanket of snow. After digging and planting for long, many times sweaty hours, growth and flowering are priceless rewards for the gardener as well as the pleasing visual focal point for passers-by.

When growing our own fruits, veggies and herbs, we all (growers) agree that there are no better tasting foods to be found - anywhere in the world. Needless to say, we know that we haven't been using any harmful chemicals to grow these healthy and nutritious goodies and no energy has been wasted on transportation from the garden to the dinner table.

Moreover, we now have some scientifically proven facts about health benefits of digging in the soil.

• Exposure to certain forms of soil bacteria can boost the immune system, which can in turn improve mood as effectively as antidepressant drugs.*
• These results are similar to those from a previous study, in which human cancer patients treated with the bacteria reported significant improvements in their quality of life.*
• Researchers suspect that the microbes are affecting the brain indirectly by causing immune cells to release chemicals called cytokines, which stimulate the production of the mood-regulating chemical serotonin.*
• The lead researcher on the study, Chris Lowry, added that, "These studies help us understand how the body communicates with the brain and why a healthy immune system is important for maintaining mental health. They also leave us wondering if we shouldn't all be spending more time playing in the dirt."*

How many more proofs for the benefits of gardening could we possibly need?

I firmly believe that anyone's best choice (for so many reasons!) is to use every opportunity to grab trowel and a pack of seeds and go plant something soothing for your soul or something nourishing for your body.

* http://mercola.com