Gardening is a popular hobby for many people. It is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature, while also getting some exercise.
But what do you know about gardening? If you’re like most people, you probably think of it as a chore. But did you know that gardening can be fun and interesting? For example, did you know that there are over 1,000 types of orchids? Or that the world’s oldest tree can be found in California?
Gardeners Dream is a great starting point for anyone hoping to get started with this tremendously rewarding hobby. And if you’re started to grow an interest in gardening, you’ll also love our fun facts about plants! In this blog post, we will cover 18 fun points that will inspire you to start your journey into horticulture.
Fun and Interesting Facts
1. History buffs ready to change lanes into horticulture will find the perfect segue in knowing that ancient Egyptians were the first to practice gardening. This dates back to around 3,000 BC. It is also believed that they were the first to cultivate roses, as shown in ancient hieroglyphs of a man pruning roses.
2. Did you know that a group of crows is called a ‘murder’? This term dates back to the 15th century and is thought to come from the loud cawing noises they make. But how does this relate to gardening, you ask? Because birds are often a gardener’s greatest nemesis!
3. Strawberries aren’t actually berries; but bananas are! The DNA of strawberries shows that they are technically an aggregate fruit, composed of multiple smaller fruits fused together. On the other hand, bananas grow from a single flower and have been classed as berries since about 1866.
4. Orchids are some of the most popular flowers for gardeners to grow, with over 1,000 different varieties out there. However, what many people don’t realise is that orchids are actually shrubs and not true flowers!
5. The world’s oldest tree is a bristlecone pine located in California. This incredible tree has lived for over 5,000 years! California is well-known for old trees, as it is also home to giant redwoods also aged in the thousands.
6. Did you know that blueberries are known as superfoods? Superfoods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients that can aid in improving health and preventing disease. Other superfoods include kale, pomegranates, and acai berries.
7. The world’s largest flower is called the Rafflesia arnoldii. It can grow up to 3 feet wide and weigh up to 24 pounds! This flower is native to Indonesia and has a strong, unpleasant odour that attracts insects for pollination.
8. The ever-popular sunflower is not actually named after its sun-like appearance. The flowers follow the path of the sun during the day, hence their name.
9. The Venus Flytrap gets its name from the Greek goddess Venus and its ability to trap flies in its leaves. This plant is native to North and South Carolina, where it can be found growing in wet, swampy areas.
10. Cacti are often associated with desert climates, but did you know that there are also cacti that grow in rainforests? These rainforest cacti have adapted to their environment by having hollow stems that can collect water during rainy seasons.
11. The largest tree in the world is a giant sequoia named General Sherman. Located in California’s Sequoia National Park, this tree stands at 275 feet tall and has a circumference of over 100 feet.
12. Gardening can help you improve your balance, because it requires you to bend down and stand back up while planting or picking flowers.
13. Research has shown that gardening also helps strengthen hand-eye coordination and motor skills. This is because it involves a lot of hand work, such as pruning, weeding, and planting seeds.
14. Gardening encourages creativity, since there are several different ways that you can decorate your garden and grow different types of plants. For example, some people choose to plant their gardens in distinct shapes like circles or spirals, while others opt for bright colours by choosing lots of blooming plants like roses or sunflowers.
15. Gardening can be a great way to get some exercise, especially if you make it a goal to do at least 10 minutes of physical activity per day. If you find that you enjoy your garden, there are plenty of activities that can help keep you active, such as planting new trees, building raised beds for vegetables or flowers, or even operating a lawn mower!
16. There are several different types of gardens you can create depending on your interests and the environment around your home. For example, if you live in an area with lots of space outdoors, you may want to consider creating a large vegetable garden where you can plant rows of crops and herbs like tomatoes and mint. Alternatively, if your yard is rather small or doesn’t get much sun exposure throughout the day, you could try growing some vegetables or herbs in containers on a deck or balcony.
17. Whether you have a green thumb or not, gardening can be an enjoyable and therapeutic way to spend your free time, as well as connect with nature and other people in your community.
18. Last but not least, did you know that gardening can have positive effects on mental health? Gardening has been found to reduce stress and improve mood, among other benefits. So why not add some plants to your yard or windowsill for some mental health boosts?
Whether you’re interested in horticulture for the quirky plants and endless possibilities, the health benefits and the exercise, or just to enjoy some time outdoors, it’s clear that gardening can be a fun and interesting hobby. And with over 1,000 types of plants to choose from, there is sure to be something that fits your interests and skill level.
So, there you have it! Gardening is not just about getting your hands dirty and pulling weeds; it’s also a fun hobby filled with fascinating facts and history. Give it a try for yourself and see what you discover – Happy gardening!