Gardens - April 4, 2024

April is National Garden month! There are many physical and mental health benefits of gardening, making it more than just a beautiful burst of color. 

Some of the benefits include: 

• Stress Reduction: Spending time in a garden, surrounded by nature, has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. The combination of fresh air, sunlight, and being close to plants and greenery can have a calming effect on the mind.  
• Improved Mood: Gardening has been linked to improved mood and overall well-being. The act of nurturing plants and watching them grow can bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
• Sunlight: Spending time outdoors in the garden exposes you to sunlight, a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Simply seeing the sun peek out from behind the clouds can make you smile! 
• Cognitive Benefits: Gardening can stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function. Planning and creating a garden design, problem-solving issues such as pest control or plant diseases, and learning about different plant species all provide mental stimulation.

If you are able to work on a garden with friends, you get the added benefits of connection and a shared purpose. Imagine how wonderful it would be to grow vegetables in your own garden and serve them for dinner with friends. 

The process of growing your own garden for flowers or vegetables, gives you the opportunity to slow down and really appreciate the beauty of gardening. 

Try This

• If you are new to gardening you might want to start with a small herb garden near a window in your kitchen. You can watch the herbs grow from seeds and use them in your cooking.
• If you have a small amount of outdoor space, you might consider creating a container garden. You can plant flowers in various size pots and arrange them on your porch or bring then inside.
• If you don’t have any extra space, you might find a community garden near your neighborhood. You could volunteer to help maintain the garden and get the benefits of gardening without needing your own space at home.

References:

• 7 Scientific Reasons Why Gardening Is Good for You
• Get out and garden for National Garden Month
• 10 Ways to Celebrate National Gardening Month