PANTON – Research shows that spending time in nature enhances our physical and mental well-being, so it’s no surprise that gardening offers similar benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety and negative thoughts. Gardening is an all-around wonderful activity for the body and soul.
Gardening offers access to sunlight, nature, physical activity and social interaction—each a key contributor to a healthy lifestyle.
Spending time in a garden can evoke peaceful feelings that nurture the mind and body and deepen one’s connection with nature.
Sunlight activates the formation of vitamin D, a vitamin essential for bone health and support of your immune system. At the same time, digging, raking, lifting and walking improve your physical strength and aerobic fitness. In addition, the fresh homegrown fruits and vegetables harvested offer nutritious, clean food that further supports overall health.
Gardening is a natural icebreaker, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. By sharing garden’s bounty, whether flowers or vegetables, there is a connection with others. This act of generosity promotes a sense of purpose and can lift spirits.
Gardening teaches many life lessons in humility, patience, hard work, appreciation of nature and its life cycle and much more. British horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll said it best, noting that “A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.”
For many years, therapeutic gardens have been incorporated in hospitals, to enhance the environment for patients, visitors and staff. Interestingly, Dr. Benjamin Rush, a physician known as the “Father of American Psychiatry” and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was the first to record the positive effect of gardening on patients suffering from mental illness.
Since then, many studies have supported the beneficial role of gardening on well-being and general health. A recent Japanese study concluded that “viewing plants altered EEG recordings and reduced stress, fear, anger and sadness, as well as reducing blood pressure, pulse rate and muscle tension.” In addition, an Australian study remarked that gardening was more effective than walking in reducing the risk of dementia, mental health problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers.
Not everyone has access to a plot of land, especially those living in apartment buildings or those confined in their homes. Indoor gardening and growing plants in containers offer similar benefits. Fall is a great season to explore the health benefits of gardening. There is still time to plant bulbs, decorate the home with gourds and pumpkins, and plant shrubs, trees and perennials.
In Vermont, visit the Vermont Garden Network at vtgardens.org/ where maps will help locate a community garden nearby.
As another option, think about volunteering to help the home-bound who cannot tend to their garden. The University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener program provides training on gardening for those interested in volunteering in their communities. Learn more at go.uvm.edu/mastergardener.
Gardening is a peaceful, meditative escape that nurtures mind and body while deepening a connection with nature.
Nadie VanZandt is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from Panton.
Nadie VanZandt
Nadie VanZandt is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from Panton.
