Aside from the obvious enjoyment that comes with gardening there are numerous mental and physical health benefits.... Why Looking after Hostas is Good for you.
Gardening is a beloved pastime enjoyed by people of all ages across the world. Recent studies have revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a surge in interest in gardening, with more people spending time at home and in their gardens. The RHS released research that revealed those who garden every day have wellbeing scores 6.6% higher(4) and stress levels 4.2% lower than people who don’t garden at all.
For many years now, I have appreciated the calm and peacefulness of working outdoors, in the garden, with a particular passion for Hostas.
I find looking after Hostas, very therapeutic.
I am out there very day, irrespective of the weather, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It makes all the difference to the way I feel during the day.
It doesn’t matter what I do, it’s just being out there. I could be simply weeding pots, or I could be splitting Hostas, as long as I am working with my Hostas.
I would love to be working with Hostas all day long, but sometimes there are other things to life, that still need my attention. I am in a much better frame of mind to tackle these tasks, than if I hadn’t been in the garden.
In this blog post, we look into the many advantages of gardening, especially with Hostas!
Being outside can help your immune system
You’re more like a plant than you think! Gardening usually means there's sunlight present well, not always in Yorkshire. When Sunlight directly touches our skin, it allows our body to create vitamin D. Vitamin D is both a nutrient we eat and a hormone our bodies make. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is well known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are critical for building bone. Studies show that vitamin D can help fight disease, control infections and reduce inflammation. It is important that we keep our Vitamin D levels correct. Being outdoors can help with this.
Increases mobility and exercise, improving your physical health
It’s common knowledge that exercise is good for you. The NHS considers it essential to living a healthy and fulfilling life and it’s medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
Tending your garden might not be the first thing that spring to mind when you think of a workout, but gardening can actually be a very effective form of low-intensity exercise that works the entire body. Especially keeping on top of the weeds!
As we get older we can modify our gardens to reduce maintenance, by reducing lawned areas, planting our Hostas in pots and adding raised beds.
If movement is a challenge, gardening can be modified to suit your needs. For instance, you can use a small stool or raised garden bed if you suffer from back pain, or a shovel or rake to support your knees when squatting. It's also easier to work with smaller pots that are lighter and easier to move than larger ones. You can start with basic tools, a small selection of flowers or plants, and smaller bags of soil that are more manageable to carry.
Boosts your mental health
The benefits of gardening go far beyond just our physical health. By engaging in activities such as physical movement and spending time outdoors, as well as caring for and nurturing plants, gardening has been shown to have positive effects on our mental health. It can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can greatly contribute to our overall mental well-being.
Engaging with nature, getting physical exercise, and experiencing sensory stimulation are all crucial factors in maintaining cognitive function, which can help to lessen the effects of conditions like dementia.
Gardening with others
Gardening is a wonderful way to bring people together. The gardening community is full of helpful individuals who are willing to share their knowledge, spare time, and even plants with those who are just starting out. Why not see if you have a local gardening club. We welcome gardening clubs to the nursery & garden on a regular basis this is the lovely people from North Derbyshire Gardening Club. Click here to find out more.
It creates a beautiful space where you can relax on your own or with friends.
Having a garden however small offers the great benefit of creating a beautiful and relaxing space. When investing your efforts in creating your garden, the reward is the ability to enjoy it, share it, and watch your Hostas grow.
It relieves feelings of stress and anxiety
Research has proven that following a routine can improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety and uplifting mood. Engaging in gardening routines such as watering and weeding can create a calming rhythm that helps alleviate stress. Gardening also triggers the production of serotonin - the hormone responsible for triggering positive feelings. The sense of accomplishment that comes with gardening can also be incredibly satisfying and rewarding. So, do a little bit every day.
Ready to get started
Roll up your sleeves and get your gloves on. In turn, you’ll reap the benefits from gardening in the long run.
Don’t see gardening as a chore, but rather more as an investment, in your quality of life. There’s never been a better time to pick up that trowel and get growing. Maybe get some Hostas?
John Plant
Rewela Hostas
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