“Cancer changes your life, often for the better. You learn what’s important, you learn to prioritize, and you learn not to waste your time. You tell people you love them.” Joel Siegel. “I am not this hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within.” Rumi. “It is good to realize that, if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honor nature’s gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever.” Jimmy Carter. “I need to be outside. I need to be in the world and to remember that I am of it.” John Green. “Everyone should have access to the outdoors no matter where they live, how much money they have, or what their background is.” Deb Haaland.
All gardeners know how rewarding it is to spend time in the garden. But there are even more benefits than a sense of accomplishment. Such benefits include improved diet and physical activity from gardening helps fight a number of diseases, social interaction created by gardening improves overall mental health, and scientific knowledge gained from gardening not only benefits one’s mind but also bring more earth/planet awareness.
National Garden Bureau works closely with the American Horticulture Therapy Association as they are the only national US organization advocating for the development of the horticultural therapy profession and the practice of horticulture as therapy for human well-being. AHTA supports the professional development, education, and expertise of horticultural therapy practitioners.
Five vital ways gardening can enhance your well-being include:
Boost your physical health: According to the CDC, gardening is the second favorite physical activity of older adults (behind walking), providing moderate physical activity which may help reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and maintain a healthier weight — all factors that can reduce your risk of heart disease, among other benefits. Being outdoors helps you obtain vitamin D from sunshine, boosting your mood and contributing to your body’s ability to absorb calcium, which is crucial for bone health, according to the National Institutes for Health. Physical therapy in a garden setting is a proven technique for faster recovery times. and gardening can cut the risk of heart attack and stroke by 30% according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Make social connections: At a vocational therapeutic garden in Chicago, one young man with autism relearned how to communicate verbally after years of being unable to use his voice.
This helped him socially, as well as enabling him to get and keep a job. To create your own social connections, try joining (or volunteering at) a gardening club, working in a community garden, or chatting with a neighbor while you’re working in your yard.
Community gardens can lower household food security concerns by up to 90%.
Stimulate your brain: Gardening keeps your brain active.
Planning your garden, researching plants and methods to help them thrive all increase your scientific knowledge.
Learning how plants grow, understanding their life cycle and their impact on pollinators are all vital for appreciating what the earth needs — and how everyone can contribute. Students who actively engage in garden projects tend to enjoy learning and show improved attitudes towards education according to the American Journal for Public Health.
Grow your mood: The Japanese concept of “forest bathing” means immersing yourself in the natural world. Japan made this part of their national health program due to research showing the many health benefits of being in nature.
The therapeutic benefits of gardens are widely appreciated, which is why you see therapeutic gardens at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, hospices, and other facilities.
Research reveals that those who spend time outdoors may experience better recovery, less anxiety or depression, and reduced reliance on pain medication. Gardening is correlated with reducing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression according to Preventative Medicine and NASA.
Elevate your experience: For many, spending quiet time in nature also helps foster a feeling of connection with all living things. Gardens have long been a feature of spiritual retreats and sanctuaries. If you want to experience calm and tranquility, gardens provide uplifting, serene environments that can help you attain that sense of inner peace. Gardening aids in a mindful presence of one’s surroundings that leads to improved emotional health.
Knowing what an impact gardens and gardening has on people’s lives, you may be inspired to create your own or to reimagine your existing garden.
Want to enhance your physical well-being? Grow healthy food, or expand your garden to provide more opportunities for exercise. Looking for connections? Join a garden group or invite friends to garden with you.
Aiming to stimulate your brain? Research what grows best in your region or learn about new plants. Interested in boosting your mood? Plant colorful flowers that make you smile and create spaces to relax and enjoy nature. Want to feel uplifted? Create a sanctuary with space for practicing yoga or meditation.
With a little planning, work, and time, you can make the most of your garden this season, and you’ll be reaping the benefits for years to come.
Learn more about the goodness of gardening.This fact sheet is provided as an educational service of the National Garden Bureau (www.ngb.org/goodness-of-gardening/).
“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High.” Psalm 92:1. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Luke 2:14. “Wait on the Lord: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.” Psalm 27:14. “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.” Psalm 62:5. “The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8. “Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day.” Colossians 2:16.