Obsessive-Compulsive Gardening Disorder

Probably, you know at least several people who enjoy looking after their gardens more than it's normal. However, it's not that normal to spend an entire weekend in the garden, so keep a close eye on your friends because of the real danger they are exposed to. And this is a mental illness called Obsessive-compulsive gardening disorder. It has 5 main stages and you can check their characteristics below.

Probably, you know at least several people who enjoy looking after their gardens more than it's normal. However, it's not that normal to spend an entire weekend in the garden, so keep a close eye on your friends because of the real danger they are exposed to. And this is a mental illness called Obsessive-compulsive gardening disorder. It has 5 main stages and you can check their main characteristics below.

There are a lot of gardeners who prefer plants that don't require much efforts to be maintained in well-condition. One of the main purposes a gardener strives for when planning and taking care of his garden is making a beautiful landscape. The gardeners who are wise enough choose plants that are suitable for the local natural environment and conditions they are going to grow in. Some plants prefer hot and wet environment and others are growing well in cold time. In fact, grass is the only type of plant that can grow in almost every part of the world. It has many varieties and depending on the climate they can be used for different purposes.

It's ideal to have a sustainable lawn, in a rainy country like my own – England, and just let the grass to grow alone if you cut it every now and then. However, many people prefer to grow this type of grass in dry countries and by saying this I am not judging them for their personal taste. I also like its colour and smell, but there are a lot of plants that can bring exactly the same look and shape and are much more appropriate for dry conditions.

What gardening obsession may do Is harm the environment. People who grow and maintain type of plant that is not healthy and suitable for their conditions are making the whole thing looks stupid. They should take several gallons of water per day only for their garden. And do you know that there are countries which populations don't have enough clean water even to drink? In addition, this grass will not meet the other expectations – it is not good for eating, it can't be used as medicine, it doesn't provide shade, it doesn't attract wild animals.. And what exactly you can get from your green garden? The only thing you can do there is sitting on the bench and starring at it. Stupidly!

And the water is not the only problem. To maintain this beautiful garden, you will need a lot of power tools as well as fertilizers and herbicides. It includes: the sprinkler systems, petrol-driven mowers, edge trimmers, leaf-blowers, etc. Do you understand how much time it will take you to maintain your beautiful suburban perfection. You will have an enormous fuel consumption and will enter oil products in the environment as a result of your waste.

The obsessive-compulsive gardening disorder also leads to huge usage of herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers – all of which are poisonous for the local flora and fauna. And here comes the main question – what drives someone to become so obsessed to even stop thinking about his health? According to the latest researches through experienced gardeners, the obsession is explained with the following stages.

1. It first begins as a lawn treatment and care and a regular part of your household chores.

2. Then, you start increasing the dose of the lawn and the dream of having the "perfect" garden as you know it from the pictures begins drawing you in.

3. Watering becomes more frequent than before. However, this ends the hopes of the grass being able to manage its condition properly.

4. You start to purchase expensive commercial products so you can make sure your lawn will always be in a perfect conditions. And these products are not only more expensive, but also more poisonous and toxic.

5. The products weaken the immune system of the grass and thus it needs daily attention from your side. It turns out to be the only thing going on your mind. Soon, keeping its image of perfection is the only thing that makes you feel alright.

What is the decision?

Treatment is this case is simpler than you think. Begin with getting rid of all the power tools and chemicals for maintaining your garden. Consider some native plants that will grow perfectly in these conditions. Now, stop thinking only for your garden and get your life back!