Gardening, good for physical and mental health
Creemore Horticultural Society is sad to announce that the following previously advertised programs have all been cancelled: Veggie Gardening 101 Seminar (May 6), our regular monthly meeting (May 20), and our annual Plant Sale (June 6). The health and well-being of our members and the greater community is the highest priority for all of us just now.
Although the ongoing additions to many cancellations (not just the Hort) may sometimes be disheartening, please keep in mind that spring is not cancelled and gardening is not cancelled! Gardening is good for you physically and mentally so indulge yourself as often as you can.
In these stressful times of many uncertainties and limited social interaction with friends and family, gardening is one permissible activity that can help you. Documented mental health benefits of time spent gardening include relief of stress due to reduced amounts of the stress hormone cortisol, mood enhancement from increased serotonins, endorphins, and other “happy hormones”, improved cognitive function and memory, as well as strengthening our connection to nature and the world around us.
If you have ever spent a day raking, digging, or planting a garden, you know that, at the end of the session, your muscles tell you that they’ve had a work-out. That is because gardening strengthens and tones many muscle groups in addition to burning calories at the rate of 100 to 250 per half hour. Research also indicates that dexterity, aerobic endurance, and bone density.
Beyond the mental and physical benefits, a gardener also reaps soul-nourishing rewards of growing beauty in the form of flowers and body-nourishing healthy fruits and vegetables.
It is beyond the scope of this article to give detailed advice on how to grow a garden. However, there are abundant books, websites, and social media resources to assist you, whether you are an experienced gardener or a “never tried it before” newbie. Here are a few recommendations for reliable information: most local horticultural societies, including Creemore, are active on Facebook providing information and are a good place to seek advice. Simcoe County Master Gardeners (at simcoecountymg.ca) provide both general information and offer an online form submit questions. Your local greenhouses and nurseries are extremely knowledgeable and can help you select the right veggies and flowers for your needs. Pollination Guelph provides links to growing a pollinator-friendly garden at www.pollinationguelph.ca/pollinator-friendly-plantings. Canadian Wildlife Federation (cwf-fcf.org/en/explore/gardening-for-wildlife/) is a great resource on gardening for wildlife.
Judi Parker is president of the Creemore Horticultural Society.
