常春藤生活英语【146】How to Plant Seeds 自家园艺乐无穷

How to Plant Seeds 自家园艺乐无穷

Many people think that having a garden means you need lots of space and free time. However, that is not true. Growing a few plants in your home or on a window sill still counts as gardening. There are many reasons why gardening is a good hobby to develop. Plants add color to any room and keep the air fresh. Plus, if you keep some flowering plants outside your windows, they may even attract lovely butterflies. You can also try growing vegetables and herbs. They will provide food and flavor for cooking. Dried herbs and flowers also make great decorations.

There are other benefits to gardening as well. One is that it makes people more relaxed. Studies have shown that people who do gardening feel calmer in their lives. This is because gardening helps them release stress. Another benefit of gardening is that it improves health. Gardening keeps you active and provides fresh food. Both of these are essential for a healthy lifestyle. Gardeners also feel a stronger connection to nature. This is important, especially with all of the environmental problems we are trying to deal with these days.

If you are looking for a hobby, give gardening a try. You will discover the fun of getting your hands dirty and the satisfaction that comes with growing something. Besides, nothing tastes better than a vegetable you have grown in your own garden.

许多人认为拥有一座花园就意谓着您得要有偌大空间及很多闲暇时间。然而事实并非如此。在您家中或窗台上种植一些植物依然算是园艺。园艺之所以是一项值得养成的嗜好，这当中有众多原因。植物能够为任何房间增添色彩，并维持空气清净。此外，如果您在窗外种植一些开花植物，它们甚至能吸引艳丽的蝴蝶。您也能尝试种植蔬菜或香草。它们能够提供烹饪所用的食材和调味料。干燥的香草和花朵作为装饰品也相当合适。

园艺还有其它的益处。其一就是能让人感到舒缓。研究显示园艺者在生活中会感到较为平静。这是因为园艺能帮助他们释放压力。另一项园艺的好处就是它能增进健康。园艺除了能让您全身动起来，还能提供新鲜的食材。这两点对于健康的生活形态都是不可或缺的。喜欢园艺的人和大自然的关系也较为紧密。这点十分重要，尤其是在我们近来正设法解决各种自然环境问题的此刻。

如果您正在寻找嗜好，不妨试试园艺。您将会发现弄脏双手的乐趣以及栽种花草所带来的满足感。此外，没有其它食物会比您在自家花园所种植的蔬菜更美味了。 

Building Your Vocabulary  

1. benefit　n. 好处，益处
Convenience is a benefit of living in cities.
住在城市里的一项好处就是方便。
2. relaxed　a. 轻松的；舒适的
Janet felt more relaxed after taking a bath.
珍娜在泡澡后感到轻松多了。
3. release　vt. 释放，发泄
Bob released his anger by going running.
鲍伯藉由跑步来宣泄他的怒气。
4. essential　a. 绝对重要的；不能缺少的
Strong boots are essential for a long hike.
耐穿的靴子对于长途健行是不可或缺的。
5. environmental　a. 自然环境的
A lot of environmental concerns have been raised about nuclear power plants.
核能发电厂的兴建引发了许多有关自然环境的担忧。
6. satisfaction　n. 满足，满意
Bill got satisfaction from being a volunteer.
当志工让比尔感到很满足。 

Phrases for Learning  

1. count (+ 人∕物 +) as...　　（把某人∕物）当作……
Jim counts teaching as a career.
吉姆把教书当成是终身职志。
2. give...a try　　试一下……
We decided to give the new dish a try.
我们决定试着尝尝那道新料理。 

参考字词  

1. sill　n. 窗台
2. flower　vi. 开花 & n. 花（本文中以现在分词作形容词用）
3. herb　n. 香草；药草 

Tips In Use  

You can also try growing...
（您也能尝试种植……）
...problems we are trying to deal with these days.
（……我们近来正设法解决……问题……）
try + 动名词∕名词 尝试……
try to + 原形动词 试着∕设法要……
注意:
try 表『尝试』时，用动名词或名词作受词，旨在强调尝试某种方法或某件事；try 若表『设法』时，则用不定词词组作受词，旨在强调企图要做某件事。
Why don't you try making a romantic dinner to surprise your wife?
（你何不尝试做一顿浪漫的晚餐好给你老婆惊喜？）
Maurice tried to make more money for traveling around the world.
（摩里斯为了要环游世界而设法多赚点钱。）

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