As a horticulturist, I am well aware of how gardening benefits people, myself included. However, you need not have a degree in horticulture to share in those benefits; they are available to anyone, whether gardening on several acres or on a small balcony. Given current events, we really need distractions right now, especially those that can improve both our mental outlook and physical health. Getting outside, surrounding yourself with nature, and enjoying the sunshine are some of the best ways to reduce stress and to regain a little mental clarity.
The activity of gardening is particularly beneficial, not only to the mind, but also to the body. The Centers for Disease Control promotes gardening as an excellent way to get physical activity. According to the CDC, people who engage in at least 2.5 hours of physical activity per week are less likely to suffer from obesity, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and are less at risk for stroke, depression, colon cancer and premature death. I know when I get “lost” in my garden, 2.5 hours goes by very quickly.
Vegetable gardening is great way to spend time outdoors, and it has especially tangible results — fresh healthy food — food whose source is not a mystery, nor is the way the food was raised. Growing vegetables is also a great way to introduce children to gardening and to the magic of seeds and soil. Let them choose some seed packets of their own, help them plant, tend and harvest. Perhaps this small investment of time will lead to an expanded palate and a lifetime of healthy eating. Don’t worry too much about your children’s hands getting dirty. A growing body of evidence indicates that contact with healthy soil high in natural microbes has a positive effect on our immune systems, lowering our risk of cancer, depression, asthma and allergies.
Some benefits of gardening are a lot less tangible. Connections are established with other people as we seek advice, compare notes, share our successes, as well as commiserate over our failures. Gardening also connects us to the cycle of nature, and keeps us in tune with the seasons. Being connected to something larger than ourselves tends to put whatever problems we might be having, and whatever stresses the year is bringing, into perspective. This is one of the biggest benefits I get from gardening, and from spending any amount of time in nature. Gardening is also an act of hope. Hope that those little seeds you put in the ground will bear fruit one day. Hope that those who come after you will enjoy a bit of shade from that sapling you planted. And who couldn’t use a little hope right now?
Wild Green Yonder is a recurring column provided by Norfolk Botanical Garden. Les Parks is director of horticulture at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
