There’s no doubt that gardening is good for the soul. And, according to a statistical analysis of studies into this popular pastime, “gardening can improve physical, psychological, and social health,” too. Here are five blooming good reasons to grab your trowel and head outdoors.

1. Exercises your body

While you’re pruning, planting, and raking up leaves, you’re also burning a substantial number of calories (great news for your waistline), strengthening your muscles, building stamina and increasing your flexibility. The best bit? Gardening is such an enjoyable way to spend a morning or afternoon, it doesn’t even feel like work!

2. Relieves stress

A study conducted in the Netherlands found that gardening reduces levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. What’s more, it also found that gardening was far more effective than reading at reducing cortisol levels after a stressful event. So, next time you think about putting your feet up and relaxing with a good book, consider reaching for your rake instead.

3. Reduces your risk of dementia

An Australian study, which followed a community of men and women over 60 for a period of 16 years, found that those who engaged in daily gardening reduced their  risk of developing dementia by a significant 36%.

4. Ups your Vitamin D

Research has linked a Vitamin D deficiency to several serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, diabetes, depression and osteoporosis. If you’re over 65, you have a greater chance of suffering from a deficiency of this valuable vitamin. Why? Because as you get older, you’re unlikely to achieve your required daily intake through your diet, plus you’ll find yourself spending less time outdoors, and sunshine is essential to the production of Vitamin D. The solution? Get into your garden and soak up some sun. Just remember to stay sunsafe throughout the year – always wear a hat and sunscreen and limit the amount of time you’re in the sun.

5. Grows your relationship with your grandkids

Children love spending time outdoors and getting them into the garden is a wonderful way to teach them about nature and have lots of fun while you’re at it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Use a small patch of your garden, or a window box, to start a mini vegetable garden.
• Take them to the nursery and allow them to choose packets of seeds which they can plant in a large pot or a cluster of smaller ones.
• Let them create markers for the flowers and vegetables by painting stones or  using lettered beads to spell out the name of each one.
• Teach them about the importance of composting and tell them what they can start collecting at home for your compost heap.
• Pick flowers in your garden and let them press these between the pages of a book.

Evergreen Lifestyle appreciates the importance of beautiful surroundings. It’s the reason  each of our villages feature landscaped gardens and all our cottages have private gardens which our residents are encouraged to spend time nurturing.