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HORTICULTURE FOR WELLNESS
+ 3 REASONS WHY GARDENING HAS
BETTERED MY MOOD.

6 September 2017 6 comments

gardening-growing-wellness-wellbeing-lifestyle-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog

G R E E N E R Y   +   C A L M

Being the cynic I am, I never imagined that gardening could have such a positive effect on my wellbeing - despite there being countless articles on the topic.. It's now one of my favourite hobbies I've taken up in recent memory, and it's something I'm quickly becoming quite passionate about!

I've taken quite a holistic approach with my own personal struggles, and gardening, cultivating, tending and growing has become a little space of solace for me - and it can be for you too! There are plenty of studies to show the positive impact it has on depression, stress and anxiety - sadly ailments that too many of us suffer from these days, but it's hope-inducing to know that something so seemingly simple can give so much comfort and alleviate symptoms.

Today, I'm sharing a little of my personal experience, as well as 5 tips to help you cultivate wellbeing. I hope you enjoy!




gardening-growing-wellness-wellbeing-lifestyle-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog

gardening-growing-wellness-wellbeing-lifestyle-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog

gardening-growing-wellness-wellbeing-lifestyle-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog

G E T T I N G   O U T S I D E


One of the reasons I think gardening can feel so beneficial, is that it encourages you to be outside, in green spaces, which is so entirely comforting. It's tempting, when I'm feeling low, to hunker down and hide away, but the lure of tending the garden and seeing how things are flourishing, pulls me outside and reinforces a healthy, daily routine, rather than wanting to skulk away and wallow. I actually find that when the weather's nice, it's almost a form of meditation to me to wander out into the garden and just sit, and observe (Or lie on the grass and watch the sky - that's an activity that's become almost entirely lost and forgotten, but one that's incredibly peaceful and resting.).


gardening-growing-wellness-wellbeing-lifestyle-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog


C U L T I V A T I N G


Something so simple as pulling carrots out of the ground, or opening pods to find rows of perfect little peas, can bring such a sense of quiet excitement to an otherwise dull and dreary day. Cultivating and growing fruits and vegetables has probably been my favourite aspect of gardening. Nurturing something to put on the kitchen table, and the satisfaction from sharing your work and 'what you've made' with others - not to mention that there's nothing better than eating homegrown! Albeit temporary, I've found it's a sense of reward and feeling better in myself that overpowers any feelings of negativity, which, if you've ever experienced anxiety or depression, you'll know is a welcome respite.


gardening-growing-wellness-wellbeing-lifestyle-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog

gardening-growing-wellness-wellbeing-lifestyle-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog


L E A R N I N G


This is going to sound incredibly geeky but I've found that since leaving full time education - I've missed learning. That kind of cram-as-much-info-into-your-head-on-a-daily-basis kind of learning. And in fact, I'm not ashamed to admit it!

I find that learning something new is hugely beneficial to wellness (as shown in studies by the Institute of Common Sense ;) - putting your focus and energy into studying up on something new and unknown is a huge distraction, which frankly, is an excellent technique to ease anxiety for me. Botany and horticulture is such a vast topic, it's great to really sink your teeth into, whether it be on a small scale, or going as far as plant's biology or learning their latin names for example. I'm currently looking into which house plants are best for beginners (I'm clearly far better with plants in the garden where the rain can help me out! Plants seem to wither in my hands indoors!), and which are beneficial for air quality. On a similar vein, growing really inspires creativity - I actually really fancy getting some decent watercolours and trying my hand at painting some!


gardening-growing-wellness-wellbeing-lifestyle-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog

gardening-growing-wellness-wellbeing-lifestyle-photography-Barely-There-Beauty-blog


F I V E   T I P S   F O R   G A R D E N I N G   F O R   W E L L N E S S


one. // Tend to something small and manageable to prevent feeling overwhelmed - a herb garden is perfect if you've only a small space to work with!

two. // Grow plants that attract bees and butterflies - lavender, cornflower, buddleja, snapdragons and heathers are all good options.

three. // Create spaces in your garden just for sitting. Tuck a bench or chair into a cosy corner to enjoy the greenery and peace.

four. // If you don't have an outdoor space, don't feel derailed! Try houseplants instead - there are all manner of succulents and cacti if you're a beginner, and a plethora of other options when you're feeling more confident.

five. // In a world where everything is accessible and immediate, try growing from seed. Putting effort into a longer term project offers big emotional rewards when you see your little babies grow and flourish.



I'd love to hear about your experience with gardening and wellbeing if you've anything to share! And I hope that if you're dubious like I was, that this post has helped give you a little of my own insight :)

P.S I also hope you enjoy the mish mash of photos from my slightly wild garden at the mo!

P.P.S The dahlias are out in full force at the minute (the flowers are too fat and heavy for their own stems), so if you've looking for a good late-summer-early-autumn bloomer.




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