Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 53 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast, and Happy Valentines Day ? Today's episode is all about cultivating beauty in your garden and the profound impact it can have on your gardening journey. Join me as we explore the philosophy of growing beautiful things to stay motivated and inspired in your gardening endeavors. We'll discuss the importance of recognizing that there are countless "right" ways to garden, emphasizing the value of learning and growing as a gardener along the way. I'll share more about my personal garden philosophy, which centers around creating an ecosystem and fostering relationships between all living things in the garden, including the soil, plants, and the land itself. We'll delve into the significance of fostering deep, engaged relationships in the garden, moving beyond transactional interactions to truly connect with the natural world around us. During this conversation, we'll reflect on the profound benefits that gardens offer beyond mere food production. From experiencing the therapeutic presence of the garden to the joy of growing something unique and valuable, we'll explore the multifaceted rewards of tending to a garden. I'll also share insights into nurturing healthy soil and my approach to feeding and enriching the soil ecosystem. Plus, we'll discuss the importance of diversity in the garden, mimicking nature to enhance resilience. Ultimately, we'll explore how cultivating beauty and fostering deep relationships in the garden can enrich our lives, offering strength, beauty, and health that extends far beyond the garden gate. Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.