Sunset gardeners: discovering the art of gardening

Collaborative Post | Gardening is a hobby that’s immensely rewarding in a whole variety of ways. It’s also a hobby that lots of people only get into later in life, once they have a garden of their own and the time to tend to it.

So, what is it that’s so wonderful about gardening? Let’s consider a few of the key benefits.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Mental health and stress reduction

Spending time in nature has been correlated with feelings of well-being, and mental health more broadly. Human beings are adapted to seek out plant life since plants tend to correlate with food and water. Therefore, it should be no surprise that we’re most at peace when we’re in a green space.

Through gardening, you can create exactly the environment you need to bring down stress levels and deal with anxiety. Once you settle down in the evening, in a suitable garden chair, you’ll be able to enjoy the product of your labour!

Cognitive stimulation

A garden is a natural thing – or, at least, an artificial thing made out of natural components. As such, it wants to grow out of control – and it’s the job of the gardener to impose some sense of order. You can, therefore, think of it as a kind of puzzle – but one that goes on for years!

Doing this requires solving a steady stream of problems. You’ll need to learn about different plants and how to care for them, as well as develop a schedule for planting, pruning, and other forms of maintenance. If you know when to plant your flower bulbs, you can enjoy spectacular results later in the year – and the effort will make the reward that much more enjoyable!

Social interaction

​It’s easy to think of gardening as a solitary pursuit. But the fact is that you can learn a great deal, and improve your craft, by collaborating with fellow gardeners. Get involved in community garden projects, and you’ll have a way of showcasing your newfound skills while making new friends.
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If you’re suffering from a sense of isolation during retirement (or at any other time), then this can be a profound and invaluable benefit. If you have an allotment, then this benefit might be felt even more keenly, since you’ll be bumping into like-minded gardeners every time you visit your spot.

Improved nutrition and diet

One major benefit of the right kind of garden is that it will provide a reliable supply of fruits, vegetables, and other foodstuffs. You might even be able to grow exotic vegetables that can’t be found in the supermarket. Everything will be fresh and packed with flavour and nutrients – which can make your life in the kitchen rewarding, too!


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.