As the growing season begins, planting flowers brings surprising benefits to families and communities. Beyond their beauty, flowers improve the environment, health, education, and social connections, making gardening a rewarding activity for everyone.
Though flowers alone cannot stop environmental damage, they play a vital role. By absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, they renew oxygen and clean the air. Flowering plants also stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and support water conservation. Native flowers strengthen local ecosystems by attracting bees, butterflies, and birds, which pollinate plants and spread seeds. Birds feed on these seeds, while insects ensure natural cycles continue, creating a balanced environment for all.
Gardening teaches valuable life lessons. Those who garden alone learn problem-solving through trial and error, combining online research with hands-on practice. When families garden together, knowledge passes between generations. Experienced gardeners share wisdom, while younger ones offer fresh ideas, creating a dynamic learning space.
Health benefits are equally important. Daily tasks like planting or weeding provide exercise, helping adults meet weekly activity goals and keeping children active. Sunlight exposure during gardening boosts Vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Without enough Vitamin D, even drinking milk becomes less effective. Additionally, the colors and scents of flowers naturally lift moods, reducing stress and bringing calm.
Gardening also strengthens relationships. Unlike screen-based activities, it encourages teamwork and conversation. Families bond while caring for plants, sharing pride as flowers bloom. Community gardens connect neighbors, turning yards into shared spaces of joy. Even giving a bouquet to a loved one spreads happiness, with studies showing flowers trigger genuine smiles and lasting positive feelings.
Of course, flowers bring beauty to any space. A garden brightens a neighborhood, while bouquets can turn ordinary moments into special ones. Research proves flowers are powerful mood boosters. Hospital patients who receive flowers often feel happier, and this effect lasts for days.
Planting flowers is more than a hobby. As blooms appear, many gardeners ask, “Why didn’t I start sooner?” With such rewards, perhaps this year is the perfect time to pick up a shovel, plant some seeds, and watch both flowers and happiness grow.
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1.1. How do native flowers benefit the environment?
A By making air thicker.
B By speeding up erosion.
C By changing natural cycles.
D By supporting local wildlife.
解析：选D。D 推理判断题。根据第二段中的“Native flowers strengthen local ecosystems by attracting bees, butterflies, and birds, which pollinate plants and spread seeds.”可知，本土花卉通过吸引蜜蜂、蝴蝶和鸟类等，这些生物能为植物授粉、传播种子，鸟类以种子为食，昆虫确保自然循环持续。由此可知，本土花卉支持了当地野生动物的生存。故选D。
2.2. What can we infer about gardening from Para. 3?
A It demands professional skills.
B It promotes knowledge exchange.
C It’s mainly done alone.
D It suits the young better.
解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第三段中的“When families garden together, knowledge passes between generations. Experienced gardeners share wisdom, while younger ones offer fresh ideas, creating a dynamic learning space.”可知，一家人一起做园艺时，有经验的园丁分享智慧，年轻人提供新想法，由此可推断园艺促进知识的交流。故选B。
4.4. What is the main purpose of the article?
A To compare different gardening tools.
B To explain flower planting techniques.
C To discuss multiple benefits of gardening.
D To criticize modern sedentary lifestyles.
解析：选C。C 推理判断题。全文围绕环境、教育、健康、社交、美观五个维度展开，探讨园艺的多重益处。故选C。
