6 days Ago By Laurie Rubner
Did you know that a person only needs 10 minutes outside, with a quarter of their body exposed to the spring sunshine, to get an adequate daily dose of Vitamin D? That is just one of the many benefits of getting out to your garden in the spring. Spring is a time of rebirth for soul, mind and body. More daylight beckons us to stay outside longer and enjoy the benefits of spring, and let’s hope the time change is eliminated this year.
Birds are returning and building nests. Baby animals are born. We just had two new calves born a few weeks ago and laughed as they learned to use their legs.
Our new chicks have quickly moved from fluffy balls of feathers to an awkward teenager stage. Laurie Rubner Farmers Markets are filling with fresh fruits and vegetables and bouquets of flowers. Several studies have shown that looking at flowers can make you happy, something any gardener could tell you without the expensive grant studies.
Plants take in roughly 25% of the carbon emissions humans produce. There are so many benefits of gardening, both physical and mental. Gardening can be calming and restful along with the satisfaction of watching something grow and flourish that you have taken care of.
It can be a way to connect as a family, rather than watching TV or scrolling through phones. It can be social, as you meet people with like interests at garden centers or chat with neighbors walking by. Your garden can become a retreat, rather than a chore: sights, sounds and smells can relieve you from everyday stress.
You can let your creativity run rampant in your garden. Play with color choices or more plants to create a tapestry of color and texture, your garden is your canvas. Gardening can offer many physical benefits which can keep you moving for years to come.
Strength and agility are built through twisting and turning as you plant or pull weeds or pickup and move awkward shapes. All the bending and squatting will help keep you getting up and down more easily. Gardening can improve balance.
You can get in a lot of walking as you work in the garden. All of these benefits will serve you well for the coming years. If you are looking to get a bit more sun exposure, keep in mind that May 3 is the 10th annual World Naked Gardening Day.
Just don’t forget the sunscreen. Laurie Rubner is the owner and operator of The Arbor Garden Center in Bethlehem. For the holidays: Get inspiring home and gift ideas – sign up now!.
