Daily Times

Gardening is a joyous activity, which immerses one in a vast aura of nature. Engaging in gardening reaps several benefits both for an amateur gardener as well as for a gardening expert. The health benefits are enormous; which comprise firstly improvement of general dietary health by indulging in kitchen gardening at one’s home gardens. The physical, emotional and mental well-being of individuals is improved by gardening. Digging, sowing saplings and planting diverse shades of flowers is a source of mental exaltation for a person. It helps to boost self-esteem, rejuvenates the soul, heart and mind and mitigate stress levels. The risk of dementia is also mitigated by daily gardening.

Gardening has such a positive impact on a human’s brain that the risk of stroke, cardiac arrest and Alzheimer’s disease is significantly reduced. Immunity level is accelerated, and an exposure to the sun while gardening is a vital source of Vitamin D. It helps to cheer and elate the mood of an individual. The exposure to the fresh air while gardening is a rich source of freshness for an individual too. Gardening is like an exercise, which relaxes the body’s muscles. It is like a natural yoga being close to nature amidst the sound of birds and breeze amalgamated with the touch of the soft gentle grass. Working on the soil is like an anti-depressant, which reduces tantrums and mood disorders.

Gardening reaps social benefits for the family members. A well-maintained garden is a treat for the family members where they tend to enjoy seasonal and ritual festivals. Arrangement of barbeque parties is a source of merriment for the family members in the garden. Sitting and enjoying on the hammock in spring and cool summers breeze of garden is another source of rejuvenation in the gardens.

Gardening tends to invite nature into the house such as butterflies, a diverse set of birds such as parrots, pigeons, and sparrows which add to the garden’s charm. Such natural species are a treat to an eye for children and elderly alike. Trees and plants in a garden are a source of oxygen production.

Gardening provides for enormous financial benefits such as keeping a well-maintained garden and planting a variety of seasonal plant species can add to the value of the house, and guarantee an appreciation in the value of the property. Bees are naturally attracted to the gardens, and bees’ hives and nectar are a source of honey. Different natural herbs and plants can be grown on the gardens, which can directly provide the domestic residents with fresh supply of food. The honey produced and the herbs and plants can even be sold as part of a business catered by the domestic residents.

Gardening indeed is joyous and must be carried on a frequent basis to reap enormous afore-mentioned benefits.

The writer can be reached at aiyza.javaid@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, January 6^th 2019.