Gardening for good health and wellbeing

“One who plants a garden, plants happiness.” – Chinese proverb

Many people of all ages around the world enjoy spending time in nature and in the garden.

Gardening can reduce stress and improve mental clarity while also helping to prevent illness.

Some of the benefits of gardening include;

Enjoyment: Experience the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.

Relaxation: Fresh air and nature can reduce stress levels.

Exercise: Moderate physical activity working in the garden helps prevent illness and improves fitness and flexibility. Gardens can be designed to be accessible to people with all levels of physical ability.

Community: Be part of the community by sharing flowers and produce with neighbours, friends and family. Participate in a community garden or create a garden fence with your neighbours.

Fresh food: Gardens can provide you and your family with a healthy source of fresh fruit and vegetables. In seasons where you have excess produce you can freeze food for later and make preserves and chutneys.

Achievement: Enjoy the sense of achievement when you see growing plants, fruit and flowers as the result of your work.

Sunlight: The best natural source of Vitamin d is sunlight and can be obtained by spending time in the garden. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, muscles and overall health however, please note the benefits of sun exposure should be balanced with the risk of skin cancer. Exposure to bright sunlight can also help people with depression who have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Creativity: Use your creativity designing the garden beds and plants, arranging pot plants and designing flower arrangements in vases.

Save Money: Gardens can save you and your family money by growing your own food.

Fresh flowers: Brighten up your home and attract birds and butterflies.

Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural Therapy is where plants and gardening are used to improve physical, mental and social health. Horticultural programs can help people from all backgrounds and ages including people recovering from injury or illness, people with mental illness, the elderly, people with disabilities and children.You can find some great information about Horticultural Therapy at Cultivate NSW websiteWould you like to reduce your hours at work and spend more time in the garden? Contact a Gold Leaf Financial Planner for financial advice today.

Resources

The Victorian Better Health Channel has some great information about gardening and health including information about edible gardens. Click on the following links for more information.