Gardening Soothes

Last summer Kim Gallo-daniels of Mays Landing, New Jersey, sent us a note about her new hobby. She wrote, “Just as COVID-19 was becoming news, my 19-year-old son left for the U.S. Air Force, and I had a severe mother meltdown.” Kim went on to share that she started working outside and discovered so much potential on her 1-acre property. “Gardening has brought such joy and relief to my soul,” she wrote.

Whether you garden for similar reasons or just to beautify your yard, I think we can all agree there’s something truly relaxing about being outside, creatively finding a home for new plants, pulling weeds or even simply mowing the lawn.

Every year in our April/may issue, we boost the garden stories a bit and treat them as a kickoff to the growing season. You’ll find inspiration on every page of this issue. Read about 10 of the coolest current cultivars on the market in “New Plants for 2021” on page 12, learn how to garden with sustainability in mind in “Garden for a Greener Earth” on page 18, and get the official lowdown on common growing myths in “Garden Myths Debunked!” on page 36. For pure enjoyment, indulge in the beautiful flower photos within “Bloom Tales” on page 40. They were taken by fellow backyard enthusiasts like you, and they’re sure to get you ready for the calming days to come in your own backyard.