PCC News Monthly August 2017 | Page 18

How to Bring the Joy of Gardening Indoors By Mike Bundrant So, youʼre not an outdoor person. The thought of bugs and sunburn have you run- ning for the safety of your home. Just because you prefer the indoors doesnʼt mean you canʼt reap the benefits of gardening and plant life. Many believe plants can make people hap- pier by giving you more meaning in your life. Watering a plant occasionally does not seem profound, but it really can have a positive impact. Caring for greenery has other added benefits. Plants filter the air. They absorb gasses around them and emit cleaner oxygen. Learning the needs of different plants expands the mind. Some like lots of sunlight and water. Others prefer shade and infrequent watering. It is fun to learn what your potted beauty prefers. If you decide to plant herbs and veggies, your loving kindness produces fresh herbs and vegetables for the table. Eating the fruits of your labors is a joy like no other. HERB GARDEN Growing herbs in your home is a great way to add • Multiple Carriers – NO FEES • Medicare Supplements • Advantage Plans, RX Plans • Under 65 Health Insurance • Office or Home Appointments JOEL DEAN Licensed Independent Broker Visit me at www.aainsurancequote.com 928.277.6123 11888 E. Stirrup High Drive East, Unit B in the Prescott Country Club [email protected] 18 August 2017 pccnews some green on a small scale. Grow your favorite herbs in just a couple of small containers. Unless you have a large win- dow, you may need to invest in some grow lights as well. Many people are able to have a flourishing garden on the windowsill. Popular choices include basil, bay, chervil, chives, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme. Pick plants that you think you will use in the kitchen to start with. This gives you a little extra motivation to . These herbs will leave your home smelling fresh and your dishes tasting even fresher. Your herbs will need at least four hours of natural light a day. South and southwest facing windows are the best. TEA GARDEN Tea gardens are just another form of herb garden but with a different benefit. Tea herbs are great for hot and cold beverages as well as medicinal purposes. Chamo- mile, lemon balm, and mint are great to get started with. Chamo