On Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 3:00-4:00PM, the Queens branch took part in cultivating a garden in their local community through volunteering at Carmen’s Garden. Everyone started by being assigned different tasks by the gardener running the event. Some were given shears to cut the stems of dead flowers/plants while others got to work with de-rooting invasive plants and maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the garden. Volunteers, even those that were not from AYLUS Queens, were able to get to know each other as they worked side by side to grow the nature and beauty of Carmen’s Garden.
Gardening is important for numerous reasons, both personal and environmental. It promotes physical health by encouraging outdoor activity and providing fresh, nutritious produce that contributes to a balanced diet. Additionally, gardening fosters mental well-being, reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing mood through the connection to nature. Environmentally, it supports biodiversity, improves air quality, and can even combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Moreover, gardening cultivates a sense of community, as individuals often share tips, produce, and experiences, strengthening social bonds and fostering a shared appreciation for sustainability. Overall, gardening enriches our lives in multifaceted ways.
Members who participated: Chloe Lai and Afrah Chowdhury (All for 1 hour)
