Make every day Garden Day

October 15 was Garden Day and everyone was invited to be a part of SA’s biggest garden party – in their own garden! Besides being good fun, it offers numerous health benefits – mentally and physically.

Study after study shows that gardening does much more than simply calm the mind and strengthen the body: it can reduce the risk of dementia (and sharpen the memory in general), speed up recovery after illness, jumpstart our endorphins, and even boost heart health.

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This may explain the key role gardens have played in healing throughout history, from Egypt and Mesopotamia to Persia and Greece – and many hospitals today.

In the UK, the health service actually supports “green social prescribing”, where nature-based activities are recommended as part of a mental and physical wellness programme. Garden Day offers an easy way to do a bit of that ourselves.

Did you know that getting your hands dirty in the garden can increase your serotonin levels?

Mycobacterium vaccae triggers the release of serotonin in our brain according to research. Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural antidepressant and strengthens the immune system.

Event organiser and one of this year’s Friends of Garden Day, Hannes Maritz, and his wife Tina were in their garden on October 15 picking fresh herbs and veggies for a picnic with their children.

“Gardening has enriched our family life, as it really helps to show our kids devotion and how to care for something and watch it grow,” says Maritz. “It teaches patience and respect for nature. We can see how our kids value the produce more if it comes from our garden.”

Planting seeds for life
Half the fun of gardening is getting to eat what you grow. But the positive effect a sun-warmed strawberry has on children has been proven to ripple throughout their lives. One study found that students involved in hands-on school gardening programs developed an increased snacking preference for fruits and vegetables.

In addition, being responsible (for anything) pays big dividends in our lives at any age. Taking time out of our day to do the small things like nourish and water plants – even if it’s a little cacti on a windowsill or next to your bed – provides us with a sense of purpose and worth.

Teachers and parents alike now recognise how crucial responsibility and confidence can be in a child’s ability to grow and learn.

Find all the Garden Day news, updates and inspiration at @GardenDaySA on all social media platforms and on www.gardenday.co.za

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