It was bright Sunday when I and my kids were busy in gardening. It gives an immense pleasure to spend some beautiful moments with your kids. Nothing can act as a great stress buster. And not to mention that gardening is the best stress buster.
But the good part is that both my kids love gardening which gives us good family time. No doubt it was some different today, it was more wonderful than rather Sundays as this time even my Hubby had joined us. Laura and Warren were so happy to have their dad by their side.
“Oh dad, what are this seeds of?” it was warren who was seeking answers from my hubby” Yeah, warren we will sow this seeds and it will become very beautiful plant and to additional it is very useful”. “Wow, a new plant in our garden” my daughter exclaimed, her small mind went in thoughts “But, dad which is this plant and where did you get their seeds from?” Dominic smiled at me and I knew it was time to gives us proper information about this new plant. My kids always welcome new plant in family as a new member of family and hence it was very necessary for them to know nuts and bolts.
“Ah, sweetheart I have brought this seeds from Canada and this plant is known as Mountain Mint” the word mint gave such a huge strike to both. We could actually sense the list of next all question which will be raining in few seconds.
“Wow, Mint.. it is going to be lovely, we can just pluck it and eat it right dad?” Warren so happy on the idea of getting a new mint plant but his questions needed a to be answered so Dominic suggested that once we finish gardening he will tell them everything about this new family member Warren and Laura both had taken seats near their father and were innocently waiting for him to answer their questions.
Dominic wanted to very precise in answering so he had a brought a book which had ample of information which could feed their little mind.
“Well to start with Mountain Mint is an herb, a medicinal herb. And if interested in its scientific clan they belong to mint family with a botanical name Pycanthemum.” Such a tongue twister made them give a tense look to their father which Dominic sensed but had amazing power of handling kids curiosity “ nothing to worry kids, I will tell you the homely names , they are also called as Wild basil, Wild Mint and Virginia Thyme”. Smiles returned to their face, “ok now to tell the description of this plant, Plants grow up to 5 ft. tall, usually branched on the upper half, growing from willowy stems and are usually in clusters. It start blooming from late summer to early fall.”
Laura interrupted as she could not wait no longer to know about the flowers “Dad do they have flowers? And how do they look?” she was crazy for flowers.
“Sweetheart, I was just about to tell you” she smiled while Dominic continued “ You know Laura, this flowers are arranged in round, flat, tight clusters at the top of the plant. And the colors of these flowers are whitish or pale lavender, the lower lip spotted with purple.”
“Oh, that’s great dad when will they grow and become big to give flowers?” Kids question sessions are endless and they actually make you drill your brain. I don’t know but sometimes I feel Dominic has much more patience than me. He always smiles and answers kids that’s what makes kids feel better.
“They will grow dear; very soon you just have to water and take good care. And very importantly love them. Not only do they bear beautiful flowers but like I said earlier mountain mint is edible and medicinal herb. Now I will tell you how you can use this in your day to day life:
- You can use the flower buds and leaves raw or cooked raw they give have a hot, spicy, mint-like flavor that add great aroma to your food.
- The fresh or dried leaves are brewed into a refreshing mint-like medicinal herb tea that is alterative analgesic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, carminative and tonic.
- This medicinal tea can also be used in the treatment of menstrual disorders, indigestion, mouth sores and gum disease.
- This herbal tea is absolutely miraculous on cough, cold and fever.
- A strong extraction when poured over festering wounds results very effectively.
- To kill the pain instantly place crushed flowers on tooth ache and you can experience relief in just matter of few minutes.
- If irritation of skin is causing a great trouble placed the crushed flowers in muslin bags and few second you will feel fresh and relieved.
- Place it in your wardrobe, it will not only freshen your clothes but will also keep moths away. Crushed flowers are rubbed on clothing to keep away insects.
- Sprinkling powder of crushed flowers on carpets will freshen up the whole house and is proven to be a good natural insecticide; the plant does deter insects and is good for use in the garden.
- It is also great source of nectar for different types of butterflies in early summer.”
“It is of such a great use dad”. Warren was surprised as well as happy. They got a new family member to take care of. “Oh yeah dad, and I will be watering this plant everyday” it was very spontaneous reaction from Laura.
Me and Dominic felt a different sense of happiness when they themselves decided to take responsibility if this new little plant. It is always to see your kids getting productive and molding themselves into good hum being. And I knew somewhere this was good start. We provided our kids this information but I also wanted other people to have this information and I guess this is the best way to communicate with the world and share your joy with everyone.
In the world of today it is very important to tell your kids about the importance of nature. They need to take care of it. Kida mind are fresh and strong they accept things and ideas very easily. Make them realize that they are obliged to nature and should always make sure that their action don’t hamper nature. Its we who build the world so always try making it a better place to live.
Remember the lines rhymed by Robert Service in My Garden. It is so easy to take care, it is just we need to start:
The world is sadly sick, they say,
And plagued by woe and pain.
But look! How looms my garden gay,
With blooms in golden reign!
With lyric music in the air,
Of joy fulfilled in song,
I can’t believe that anywhere
Is hate and harm and wrong.
A paradise my garden is,
And there my day is spent;
A steep myself in sunny bliss,
Incredibly content.
Feeling that I am truly part
Of peace so rapt and still,
There’s not a care within my heart . . .
How can the world be ill?
Aye, though the land be sick they say,
And named unto pain,
My garden never was so gay,
So innocent, so sane.
My roses mock at misery,
My thrushes vie in song . . .
When only beauty I can see,
How can the world be wrong?
