By Peri Hamilton-Brown, Transylvania County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, and Therapeutic Horticulturist for Skyterra Wellness

Some people are born gardeners and some, like me, have gardening thrust upon them. Though a beloved pastime for many, and a vital task of sustenance for our forebearers, my generation often grew up removed from nature, in cities and suburbs where the grocery store or the soccer field was as close as we came to the natural world. As a child, I used to think of gardens as dirt-filled hiding places for spiders and other unsavory creatures, not someplace I would ever intentionally seek out. Maybe you were the same.

After years living and working in modern spaces removed from the outdoors, like so many of my peers, my mental and physical well-being were suffering. No amount of yoga or healthy eating could calm the frequent panic attacks and bouts of depression I was increasingly dealing with. It took a mental health professional’s suggestion to volunteer at a community garden that transformed my life.

As it turns out, gardening can offer a plethora of therapeutic benefits. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can lower cortisol levels—the hormone associated with stress—and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Gardening provides a therapeutic outlet for emotional expression, and it became my preferred form of self care, to the point that I shifted my career from research scientist to therapeutic horticulturist. Now when I feel anxiety and tension building up in my body, I know it’s time for some prescribed mandatory gardening time.

Amidst the chaos and sterility of our modern lives, gardening offers—no—necessitates mindfulness. Research studies performed in Blue Zones, on elementary school students, in dementia care facilities, and in hospitals from all over the world have come to the same conclusion: people who nurture plants and connect with nature experience lowered depression and anxiety levels, heal faster, live longer, and lead more satisfied lives.

But that’s not the only superpower of gardens! They are also full-body workouts that engage muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and increase flexibility. By exposing our skin to natural sunlight, our bodies synthesize more Vitamin D, which is essential for robust bones and overall health. Digging in the soil fortifies our immune systems through the beneficial bacteria residing within it, so much so that the term ‘dirt therapy’ was coined.

Unsurprisingly, the increased intake of fresh produce in home gardeners is associated with improved health outcomes, including a reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Some medical institutes, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) included, have even started to encourage gardening as a form of preventative healthcare, as many studies have suggested that gardening can prevent or delay the onset of age-related health issues such as dementia. Planning and maintaining a garden stimulates the brain, and has been proven to enhance memory and concentration abilities.

Furthermore, gardening fosters a sense of community and social connection, something that’s been shown to play an important role in blue zones. Whether participating in a community garden or simply sharing gardening tips with neighbors, gardening brings people together and strengthens social bonds. Community gardens serve as hubs for education and outreach, frequently offering workshops and seminars on gardening, nutrition, and sustainability. These initiatives empower us to be an active member in our community, and to take control of our health and well-being. Here in Transylvania County we have a Community Garden in Brevard, and they are accepting applications now for 2025! Contact Shelley Heath at shelleycheath@gmail.com or 828-885-5601 for more information.

And so gardening emerges as a holistic approach to wellness. Its benefits extend from stress reduction and physical fitness to fostering community bonds and prolonging our lives. As we navigate challenges, gardening stands as a beacon of well-being, offering a path to a healthier, more fulfilling life for all. May we plant the seeds of health and well-being together, so that we may all continue to flourish, one garden at a time.

Please note that the Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of Transylvania County Annual Spring Symposium is coming soon! It will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Rogow Room at the Transylvania County Library. The topic is “Healthy Tree and Shrub Care”, with Sean Beohrig of Bartlett Tree Experts speaking on trees and Extension Agent Bart Renner speaking on shrubs. This event is open to both the public and master gardeners. For more information, reach out to the County Extension Office at 828-884-3109.