What does this Blog talk about?

Hey everyone, Gemma here, your friendly neighbourhood garden enthusiast! Today, I'm buzzing to chat with you about something that's close to my heart: the connection between gardens and our wellbeing. So, grab a cuppa and let's dive into the wonderful world of green therapy. Trust me, it's a game-changer for your mood!

Embracing Nature’s Therapy

Close your eyes and imagine strolling into your garden after a stressful. It's like stepping into your personal sanctuary, a tranquil refuge away from the urban frenzy. Surrounding yourself with lush greenery, you feel an instant wave of calm wash over you. And oh, those water features! Whether it's the gentle trickle of a bubbling fountain, the serene shimmer of a pond, or the playful splash of a waterfall, the sight and sound of water can add a soothing element to your outdoor oasis. Choosing the right water feature for a garden can be tricky, so check out these ideas from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Gardeners' World.

But what about the plants? Let's explore the wonderful world of greenery and how it can transform your garden. Picture vibrant bursts of colour from specific cultivars like Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' and Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'. These hardy beauties not only add visual delight but also encourage pollinators like bees and butterflies to dance among their blooms, infusing your garden with enchantment.

Foster Biodiversity for Mental Resilience

Now, let's examine biodiversity – the secret sauce to a resilient garden and a resilient mind. By inviting a diverse array of plants and critters into your garden, you foster a deeper connection to nature, grounding yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Picture native plants like Digitalis purpurea (Foxgloves) and Silene dioica (Red Campion) painting your garden with their vibrant hues, while also providing essential sustenance for pollinating insects.

And don't forget to sprinkle in a variety of textures, heights, and plant forms, creating a dynamic landscape that supports a thriving ecosystem, right in your backyard. Incorporate tall, architectural plants like Verbena bonariensis for vertical interest, while ground-hugging varieties such as Heuchera 'Obsidian' add depth and contrast. You can also mix in different leaf shapes and sizes, from delicate fern fronds to bold hosta leaves, adding visual intrigue and also provides habitat diversity for wildlife.

Cultivate Mindfulness Through Gardening

Gardening isn't just about tending to plants – it's a form of meditation, a practice in mindfulness. As you dig your hands into the earth or delicately prune your blossoms, you're fully immersed in the present moment, letting go of worries and stressors. With each breath of fresh air, you feel a sense of renewal, as if nature itself is breathing life into your soul.

So, take your time, relish in the sights and sounds of your garden, and allow yourself to be fully present in this moment of tranquillity.

Additional Benefits of Green Spaces

There is also a whole heap of research that shows spending time in green spaces can work wonders for our mental wellbeing. Kaplan and Kaplan (1989) discovered that exposure to nature can reduce stress levels, elevate mood, and sharpen cognitive function. Similarly, Bratman et al. (2015) found that just 90 minutes spent in nature can significantly decrease rumination, a key factor in depression and anxiety.

But the benefits don't stop there. Green spaces offer a myriad of advantages beyond mental health. Studies have indicated that regular interaction with nature can lead to improved physical health outcomes as well. For instance, individuals who frequently engage with green spaces tend to exhibit lower blood pressure levels, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and enhanced immune function (Bowler et al., 2010). Moreover, the opportunity for physical activity in green environments, whether it's walking, jogging, or gardening, contributes to overall fitness and wellbeing (Thompson Coon et al., 2011). The exposure to natural sunlight in outdoor settings also boosts vitamin D levels, crucial for healthy bone development and immune function (Wacker & Holick, 2013).

In essence, incorporating green spaces into our daily lives not only nurtures our mental health but also promotes holistic wellbeing, encompassing physical, emotional, and social dimensions. So, whether it's taking a leisurely stroll in the park, cultivating a vegetable patch in your garden, or simply cutting your lawn, remember that the benefits extend far beyond what meets the eye.

Final Thoughts

As we draw this garden therapy session to a close, remember that your garden is more than just a patch of land – it's a sanctuary for self-care and growth. So, embrace the therapeutic power of nature, nurture your green oasis with love and intention, and watch as your garden blooms alongside your own wellbeing.

And remember, if you need a helping hand or some plant recommendations, get in contact!

Happy gardening from Gardens by Gemma!

References:

• Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press.

• Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., & Daily, G. C. (2015). The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1249(1), 118-136.

• Bowler, D. E., Buyung-Ali, L. M., Knight, T. M., & Pullin, A. S. (2010). A systematic review of evidence for the added benefits to health of exposure to natural environments. BMC public health, 10(1), 456.

• Thompson Coon, J., Boddy, K., Stein, K., Whear, R., Barton, J., & Depledge, M. H. (2011). Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing than physical activity indoors? A systematic review. Environmental science & technology, 45(5), 1761-1772.

• Wacker, M., & Holick, M. F. (2013). Sunlight and Vitamin D: A global perspective for health. Dermato-endocrinology, 5(1), 51-108.