Gardener's Corner: Life is Better in the Garden

By Chris Dailey, Horticulture Manager

Gardens at Trout River Plaza

In response to new leisure time and the desire to be outdoors, many people have rediscovered gardening and nature in the last year. Gardening has become quite popular as folks have been seeking hobbies that include fresh air and limited contact with others.

Experienced gardeners know all the obvious beneficial outcomes of a well-tended garden: scenic views, restful shade, showy flowers, tasty food, wildlife viewing, and improved property value. Some plant keepers also understand the more complex ecological benefits like pollinator conservation, air purification, water filtration, and soil improvement. However, seasoned gardeners know there are also personal health and wellness benefits.

Gardening is hard, physical work.

Many of the strenuous tasks accomplished in the garden equate to exercise. Sustained “garden exercise” often leads to weight loss, stronger muscles, greater flexibility, improved breathing, and other health benefits. As with other forms of exercise, stretching and conditioning are important before taking on any strenuous garden activity.

Gardening grows the mind.

The plant world is huge and there is much to know about plant care and the eventual understanding of gardening’s environmental impacts. A persistent gardener never stops learning.

Gardening is an art form.

It is a creative outlet just like painting, writing, or playing music. Opportunity for personal artistic growth is limitless for the enthusiastic gardener.

Gardening is a challenge.

There are so many things that can go wrong, and setbacks teach us to learn from our mistakes. An honest gardener will admit to killing many plants while trying to figure out how to make them thrive. When there is finally success after many failures, there is an intense sense of accomplishment and pride, followed by renewed confidence.

Gardening can be social.

Sharing plants, seeds, cuttings, tools, and knowledge is natural for those who love plants. Serious gardeners can quickly make a lengthy list of friends who they met through plants. Many even have fond memories of passed loved ones who shared gardening and plants with them.

Finally, gardening can improve mental wellness.

There is something about being surrounded by plants and nature, when everything is balanced and working together, that calms the mind. It may be the changing light as it moves through the plants, the earthy feel of the soil, the clean smell of the garden air after a gentle rain, the taste of fresh food, or the quiet sound of trees moving in the breeze.