Surprising Health Benefits of Gardening
Ah, the joy of flowers. As a child, I’d comb the greenhouses with my grandmother and mother, searching for the ultimate blooms for our flower beds. I loved digging in the dirt and the pride of a well-managed garden.
Although I don’t have a large yard today, container gardening fulfills my desire for a flowering green space. However, it took me a while to realize that stopping to smell the roses improved my well-being.
Gardening benefits
Clinical studies have demonstrated that gardening improves mental health and quality of life. Some individuals may benefit from the physicality of working outside, while others, like me, enjoy being outdoors in the presence of nature.
Joy extends beyond the home. When I travel, I often seek out botanical gardens, conservatories, and urban parks. A recent visit to an orchid show at the Rawlings Conservatory in Baltimore made me smile, despite the several inches of snow on the ground. There’s no better remedy for the winter blues than spending a few hours in a greenhouse.
Promoting mindfulness
Surrounding yourself with beauty can soothe the mind and reduce stress. Spending time in a flower garden can also be connected to overall wellness.
I often take 10 minutes during the workday to sit on my deck and admire my flowering containers. It’s the ultimate mindfulness break, and it helps me transition to my next task.
Wandering through the green, leafy textures at the Palm House in Gothenburg helped me clear my mind ahead of my speaking engagement at a conference. The visit also connected me to the city’s history. Built in 1878, the Palm House was a retreat for town residents surrounded by granite walls.
A sense of community
Gardening can also bring a community together. A study measuring interest in community gardening after the pandemic found that applications increased from 47% to 80% across six countries from 2018 to 2022. Community gardens provide social interaction and build trust, which also have health benefits.
Other gardeners often note that their front yard gardens allow them to get to know their neighbors. Sharing gardening tips and discussing what’s blooming has helped develop neighborly vibes. Gardeners (like me!) also feel pride when complimented on their horticultural skills.
Horticultural therapy
Beyond the simple joys of gardening, horticultural therapy provides a therapeutic approach to helping individuals with physical, mental, emotional, and social disabilities. The American Horticultural Therapy Association notes that Dr. Benjamin Rush, recognized as the Father of American Psychiatry, noted a link between improvements in mental health and working in the garden.
Horticultural therapy approaches vary depending on the individual’s need. Programs can help improve balance and strengthen muscles. Vocational horticultural therapy programs teach the ability to problem solve and work independently. Other practices focus on cognition, language skills, and socialization.
Garden travel
According to the Sunday Times, floral tourism is growing in popularity. My floral travel bucket list includes wandering through the tulip fields in the Netherlands. Others dream of Japan’s cherry blossoms or walking through rows of fragrant lavender in Provence.
Flower and garden shows are also great ways to experience floral extravaganzas. The Philadelphia Flower Show, which covers 10 to 12 acres, has become the largest indoor flower show in the world. It draws visitors from all 50 states and around the world.
How to benefit from gardening
You don’t need a green thumb to enjoy the benefits of gardening. Visit a local park or flower garden, many of which are free. Garden centers have containers bursting with color ready to be set on your porch.
Don’t be afraid to ask for input on what grows best or how to care for a plant. My garden center has a wealth of information to share. And when in doubt, there’s always YouTube.
Consider getting a membership to a botanical garden. My husband and I became members at Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, PA. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is also excellent, as are the LA Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Garden clubs provide unique opportunities to meet new people, learn, and explore through workshops and day trips. Horticultural societies like the American Horticultural Society enhance gardening knowledge and enjoyment.
Gardening is more than plants—it’s a path to better health, mindfulness, and connection. Whether tending your garden, exploring floral destinations, or joining a community group, it reduces stress, fosters friendships, and deepens your appreciation for nature—enriching both body and soul.
