Sun, blue skies, fresh air. These are just some of the reasons so many of us enjoy being outside, and only a few of the reasons why gardeners love what they do.
But can a green thumb really make you a healthier person? Edwards Communities did some research, and we’re excited to share with you the surprising health benefits to gardening.
Here’s what we found, and how we support this healthy activity for our members.
Gardening can:
- reduce stress and anxiety. Gardening provides an outlet for creativity that alleviates “attention fatigue” we sometimes experience from technology and gadget overuse. A recent study on CNN’s website cited that after completing a stressful task, two groups of people chose to either read indoors or garden for 30 minutes. Afterward, the group that gardened had lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and reported being in a better mood.
- improve sleep. The physical demands of gardening — digging, planting, watering, laying mulch, etc., — can tire you out. And since you have also burned off excess anxiety and stress, you are more likely to sleep better.
- contribute to positive self-esteem and self-satisfaction. There’s a sense of pride that comes from nurturing a seedling into a flowering plant that produces something.
- increase your Vitamin D intake. A healthy dose of the sun’s Vitamin D helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and various cancers.
- reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that engaging in activities like gardening can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by 50%.
- provide organic and non-toxic food options. If you are interested in clean foods or are cautious about the amount of pesticides used to grow them, organic gardening might be for you. Good Housekeeping says organic gardening isn’t all about what you can’t do, but is instead about fostering a more holistic, natural ecosystem. If you tend your own garden, you know exactly how your vegetables are grown and can ensure freshness and quality. You may even save a few bucks at the grocery store.
- burn calories. Can’t make it to the gym or just prefer to spend your time outside? Gardening can be considered a type of exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you can burn up to 300 calories during just one hour of light gardening. For many that beats the treadmill any day.
- lower your blood pressure. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute lists gardening for 30 minutes as an example of a way to lower blood pressure.
Renting an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up your garden. If you love to garden, or are sold on its benefits and are interested in starting one, you can have access to it all while living in an Edwards community.
Here are three ways Edwards Communities supports our members who value the many benefits of gardening:
1. Our Member Garden
Members of Edwards Communities have the opportunity to rent their own 6’ x 12’ garden plot in our member garden. The member garden is located between Strathmoor at 5541 Bowland Place, and Hayden Lofts, at 5017 Hayden Run Road in Dublin, and is a great way to grow your own foods while getting to know your neighbors.
The rental fee includes access to water, a variety of gardening tools and a tool shed. Plots are reserved on a first come first served basis each spring,
2. Our Greenhouse at Times Square
Available for the members at Time Square, our temperature controlled greenhouse provides a peaceful setting to talk with friends, have a meeting, or relax and read a book. It has WiFi and can be reserved for special events. The doors are unlocked even during the coldest days, so you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, breathe in the scent of the plants and flowers, or just take a break from a cold walk.
3. Hayden Garden
Located in front of Hayden Lofts on Hayden Run Road, this beautiful garden was designed by the renowned garden expert, Tracy Disabato-Aust. The three-acre perennial border garden features over 13,700 trees and plants, among which are 20 species of shrubs and grasses, 87 species of perennials, 25 species of bulbs and 12 species of trees. It was designed to be a community space and gathering area for both our members and people from the community to enjoy. We invite you to walk the trails, observe wildlife, and appreciate the wonders of nature Hayden Garden has to offer.
If you’d like more information about Edwards Communities, our gardening options, or upscale amenities, please contact us or visit our website.