The fourth Thursday in November in the United States is assigned to giving thanks.

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines thankfulness as “the feeling of being happy or grateful because of something.”

From food to oxygen to pollinators to exercise and sheer beauty, gardens give us many benefits.

Here are just a few reasons to be thankful for our gardens:

The beauty of blooms, the vibrant colors, the fresh produce, the wildlife that it attracts like birds and butterflies, the calming act of tending to plants, the connection to nature, the ability to grow your own food, the changing seasons that bring new plant life, the fragrance of flowers, and the sense of accomplishment from nurturing plants to maturity.

Specific things to be thankful for in our gardens:

Visual beauty: The colors and shapes of flowers, the textures of leaves, the dappled sunlight through foliage.

Sensory experience: The smell of fresh herbs, the sound of bees buzzing, the feel of cool soil.

Wildlife support: Attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, providing habitat for birds and small animals.

Pollinators: Plants are rooted in place, so they need an agent, such as a bee, to transfer pollen for them.

Fresh food: The ability to harvest vegetables, fruits, and herbs directly from our gardens.

Beneficial insects: They are the insects that protect our vegetables from insect bullies.

Seasonal changes: The cycle of different plants blooming throughout the year.

Mental well-being: The therapeutic act of gardening, stress relief from spending time outdoors.

Connection to nature: Feeling a part of the natural world, observing plant growth and life cycles.

Community-building: Sharing produce with neighbors, connecting with others who enjoy gardening.

Sustainability: Growing our own food, reducing our environmental impact.

Learning opportunities: Discovering new plant varieties, experimenting with gardening techniques.

Good health: It burns calories, reduces stress, and improves our overall physical and mental well-being.

Gardening friends: People who are willing to listen to our tales of garden successes and failures.

Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful for so many wonderful blessings that nature and gardening has provided us with.

I’m sure you can think of many more things that you are grateful for.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613