making gardening one of your New Year’s resolutions

As we enter a New Year we might not only want to think about our personal goals, but also our intentions regarding our gardens and gardening in general.

Why not make gardening a meaningful New Year’s resolution?

Embracing gardening as one of our main goals this year will positively impact our wellbeing, as well as bring the multiple physical benefits of a regular exercise.

Mental health benefits of green spaces

Florence Nightingale was one of the pioneers of using green spaces as an important factor in aiding the recovery process in hospitals. She promoted the beneficial effects of patients’ exposure to plants not only on mental, but also on a physical level. 

There have also been several important  trials, which showed that observing nature or even just pictures of nature, positively impacts mood and mental health.

Therefore, gardening is a very powerful activity, the benefits of which should never be underestimated.  

During gardening we are exposed to nature and the sunlight. This boosts the levels of serotonin (the hormone responsible for the feeling of satisfaction and happiness), as well as increasing the levels of vitamin D. In general, this exposure makes us feel more calm, relaxed and positive.

Health professionals should encourage their patients to use garden observation, nature walks and gardening as important tools during their recovery as well as for improving their overall  mental health. 

There are a number of green health schemes in Scotland promoting the use of green spaces that are well worth consulting.

Physical benefits of gardening

Gardening involves physical activity. Doing simple gardening activities can boost our overall body strength and increase dexterity. 

Gardening also involves some aerobic activities, where our breathing and our heart rate will increase. These include digging, raking, squatting, walking and lifting. We might not realise it, but our garden is in fact a gym outside our window.  

Social impact

In a world that struggles with loneliness and isolation, gardening can also create the social element in our lives, especially through community gardening, plants’ exchange, crop sharing. 

Such garden social interactions will bring elements of joy, purpose, companionship and often new friendship. 

Year-round enjoyment of gardening

Another key element of gardening’s appeal is that it is a fantastic activity that can be embraced all year round. 

If you are an experienced gardener, you will find that there are “gardening tasks” that need to be performed at specific times of the year, like for example pruning roses in the winter, or sowing annuals in the spring.

But don’t get discouraged if you are a gardening novice, as there is a growing trend to do less in our gardens and to keep them on a wild side. This approach relies on a gentle approach to gardening, where we do less cutting and tidying up. 

Gardening and being in gardens can bring enjoyment for everyone throughout the whole year. This can sometimes be achieved simply by looking at our gardens, tuning in and observing its changes. Just noticing bulbs sprouting in spring will fill us with excitement, joy and a sense of satisfaction. 

Put gardening on your New Year’s resolutions list

There are many reasons why gardening should be on our New Year’s resolutions list.  Let’s make 2024 a year where gardening is an essential part of our everyday activities. We should remember that gardening should be easy and enjoyable, which can be adapted to everyone’s lifestyle. It can be as simple as observing plants, their habits and interactions. Let’s be gentle towards our gardens, its inhabitants and ourselves, and the rest will follow. 

If you are a gardening enthusiast and need a bit of one to one gardening coaching guidance feel free to contact us.

We could also organise an onsite planting consultation too.