Someone once said "planning is important to be successful."

Many of us plan for everything — work, home, education, vacations, losing weight and retirement. The Conservation District advises farmers to develop a conservation plan to manage their land wisely. It is time to plan those gardens.

Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in our country. People garden for numerous reasons.

Some of us simply raise vegetables because they taste better than store-bought varieties. Others just like the exercise and being outdoors; it can be very therapeutic for the mind and body.

Many of us also have pleasant memories of working in the garden during childhood. Progress of the family garden was often the topic of conversation around the dinner table. It was always exciting to pick the first tomato or enjoy the first ear of corn.

Often, people say they do not have the time to grow their own vegetables. Planning and planting in the early spring for a garden is the easy part, compared to later tasks like watering or weeding on a hot summer day.

There are people who find it hard to understand how hard farmers work to provide our food in this country. There are many people who cannot tolerate the hard work and sweat needed to get rid of weeds and pests. It is much easier to buy food at the local grocery store.

Because of busy schedules, some of us can't even find time to mow the grass or wash the car. Is there ever enough time to just relax and smell the roses?

Those of us who do love to garden do not see it as work, but as pleasure. Gardening is relaxation for those who like to stay busy, have fun and do something productive.

Every year, the county provides space at the Sunnyview Gardens for Butler area residents to plant gardens. Participants often socialize and get to know their neighbors better while they work on their plots of land.

To reserve a garden space, call the ConservationDistrict at 724-284-5270.

Ron Fodor is manager of the Butler County Conservation District.