A recent study highlights the health benefits of gardening, suggesting that nurturing plants and flowers may contribute to a longer life. Gardening has become a popular activity this year, celebrated for its positive effects on both physical and mental well-being.
Laura Goodell, an avid gardener, describes the unique joy found in digging and tending to plants. Research from the University of Texas at Austin points to beneficial microbes in soil that can help strengthen the immune system, adding a scientific basis to gardening’s health perks.
At Ohio’s Life Enriching Communities Twin Towers, residents engage in community gardening, which promotes emotional, social, and physical wellness. Jessica Olis from the gardening group emphasizes how these green spaces foster multiple aspects of well-being.
Physically, gardening encourages movement and activity, which can improve quality of life and potentially increase longevity. The U.K.’s National Health Service is even funding “green prescriptions” to explore these benefits further.
Mentally, gardening boosts serotonin levels—the body’s natural “feel-good” hormone—while the shared effort among gardeners enhances emotional health. Gardeners like Karen Feinberg find satisfaction in nurturing their plants and watching them flourish, making gardening a rewarding and holistic experience centered around plants and flowers.
