The air wafted, sweet and warm, through the budding branches, over the greening grass, in and about the burgeoning Daffodils and delicate Crocus. The earth was softening, and the landscape was preparing to burst with color and life. Nature was beckoning us outdoors into her lovely, therapeutic realm.
Amid the pandemic and current state laws, home has continued to serve as our office and classroom. Outside the home, social distancing continues, leaving many to feel isolated, anxious, frustrated and disconnected. Now, more than ever, we need to connect with nature, and gardening is the perfect vehicle in which to do so.
Get Some Exercise & Vitamin D
Gardening provides both anaerobic and aerobic exercise. An hour of gardening can burn up to 300 calories, and best of all, it’s free! Additionally, Vitamin D is primarily acquired through sun light, so soak it up!
Decrease Stress Levels
Gardening has been known to boost moods while decreasing stress levels. It has also been shown to decrease depression.
Boost Your Immune System
Friendly soil bacteria, whether inhaled or ingested, has been found to alleviate allergies and asthma while decreasing anxiety, which also helps foster a healthy immune system.
Grow Healthy/Safe Food
You’ll know exactly what’s in your food when you grow and harvest it yourself!
Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Gardening is a wonderful way to express yourself. Try something new each season. You are only limited by your imagination!
Enhance Emotional/Spiritual Well Being
Gardens can serve as tranquil retreats. Many find the act of gardening to be therapeutic. It can also help boost self-esteem and confidence.
Challenge Your Brain
In addition to exercising the body, gardening can help keep your brain nimble. Learn how to garden through trial and error, keep a journal, pick up a book, and feed your brain.
Gardens are a feast for the senses, and their aesthetic appeal is undeniable. You needn’t a large space, or a ton of money – just the drive to reconnect with nature, and in doing so, your health and well being will benefit as well. Reach out to Sweeney’s, and we’ll help get you started! We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!
Sweeney’s: A Plant Based Company
Plant of the Week
Happy Jack® Purple Clematis
Large, intense velvety plum-purple flowers with yellow stamens bloom mid-Summer to early-Fall. Prefers sun to partial shade, and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 6-8′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
“The glory of gardening; hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul.”
-Alfred Austin
Well wishes,
Kim Sweeney