The benefits of gardening, plants and nature seem to be never ending. So, we thought we would mention just a few. Gardening is known to: Increase quality of life, increase sense of community and increase self esteem.
Some of the benefits to Physical Health include
- Reduction in BMI
- Increased physical fitness
- Improved fine motor skills
- Increased range of motion
- Improved coordination and balance
Some of the benefits to Mental Health include
- Reduced depression and anxiety
- Reduced stress and mood disturbance
- Increased cognitive function
Beyond blue have produced a brochure about the benefits of nature for mental health http://gardenreleaf.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/BL0541-Beyond-Blue-to-Green-Executive-Summary-WEB.pdf
Therapy
Horticultural therapy is currently used for all ages in a wide range of settings such as hospitals, schools, old age home, rehabilitation and shelters. It has been proven that simply being able to see greenery through a window increases healing and recover.
Growing your own food can mean you eat healthier and have less negative impacts on the environment by decreasing your food miles. You can choose to use less pesticides and herbicides than commercial growers to produce your food, which will mean less chemicals on the food you eat and less impact on the natural environment and insects. The concept that eating home grown food has a positive impact on gut bacteria is currently being explored.
Benefit the environment
Gardens provide habitat and food for local animals, birds and insects and provide crucial wildlife corridors.
Trees, shrubs, ground covers and even lawns can help to keep surrounding areas cooler in hot weather, especially when they are well watered.
In summary – Gardening is great and everyone should spend more time in their gardens!!!! 🙂
