Garden Glory: Author- Corrina Tough
Posted on November 4, 2008
Filed Under Inspiration, The Art of Relaxation | Leave a Comment
I love gardening and you can find any number of books on the subject on my bookcase. The love affair began probably long before I was really able to understand the true meaning of it. As a small child I would sit at my Nanna’s feet knee deep in dirt and help her garden. She always encouraged me and looking back I realise I pulled out more plants than weeds but she was never cross. I treasure the time I spent with her as she taught me the way to nurture my environment and get pleasure from it (probably unintentionally).
There is so much that can be gained from gardening for both children and adults, such as exercise, fresh air and a sense of satisfaction. There is nothing as satisfying as growing herbs or flowers and fresh fruit and vegies, then picking the produce that was loved and tended to by your family. Having a beautiful garden helps the environment by creating eco systems for birds and insects while also providing a peaceful and calming place to be. It gives children a real sense of connectedness to their environment and also to the food they consume- seeing the process of growth from seed or seedling to mature plant and tasting the freshness of organic produce is a wonderful way for children experience nature.
Even very young babies can experience and learn in the garden as it is a stimulating environment for the senses, such as scrunching leaves, smelling flowers, digging and rolling in the grass. Gardening with your child is a special way to promote speech development through conversation, deepen your relationship and to foster an attitude of respect and care for the environment.
At the moment Ruby has been hassling me to revamp the old vege gardens that have been neglected, so I am working on building a raised garden bed which is based on the French idea of a ‘Potager’ which comes from ‘potage’ French for soup, as historically these gardens contained soup vegetables. Eventually, the term evolved to mean a kitchen garden where everything needed or the household was cultivated. This included flowers, herbs, fruit and vegies. I am quite slow at this but am enjoying the process and hope to keep you updated on my progress with some happy snaps.
My can’t live without garden kit
6. Garden fork, trowel, spade, rake
The Cook & The Chef
Posted on June 25, 2008
Filed Under Inspiration, Media, The Art of Relaxation, Wholesome Living | Leave a Comment
As a family we look forward to 6.30pm on a Wednesday evening on the ABC. This afternoon I was driving Elijah home from preschool and I said, “Elijah, guess what’s on tonight?” With great excitement Elijah yelled, “Maggie! That’s you favorite mum!” The Cook & The Chef is our most fav family show. Well perhaps it is mine and the family enjoys mum sitting down with a glass of red in complete relaxation mode. We love the world that Simon & Maggie create - their passion for cooking is contagious. Somehow, their chemistry just works. It makes us smile and inspires all sorts of culinary delights. If you have not watched this program, please do. You may think I am a big dag but honestly, besides the Australian series Sea Change, you just can’t top it. The perfect mum gift for me would be a six pack of The Cook & The Chef on DVD. When I go to what is known around my home as “Crazy Town!” my husband pops on Maggie & Simon. Their banter is really entertaining and I love the snippets about Australian produce and lovely places and people they visit. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/cookandchef/about/presenters.htm
