In my previous blog, I’d talked about the powerful therapeutic effect nature has on your mind. But when you are too busy with work and other everyday responsibilities, it can be hard for you to find some quality time with nature and this is where gardening comes in. Whether you live in an urban or rural area, gardening offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit. Depending on your living situation, you can enjoy the peace and serenity nature brings through either indoor or outdoor gardening, allowing you to experience its healing power no matter where you are.
As a kid, I grew up watching both my grandmothers tend to beautiful gardens around their houses. My Amma, my mother’s mum, had a special knack for gardening. She would bring home tiny branches of plants and nurture them in the simplest and most unexpected of containers—cracked pots, little buckets, plastic containers, etc. She grew so many plants and trees with love and care. Back then, as a child, I never thought of gardening as therapeutic; it was simply something she loved to do. But looking back now, I realize that she was the one who instilled in me a deep appreciation for plants, a love that would later become my own form of healing.
Years later, my best friend—who feels more like a cousin to me now—rekindled that love. During COVID-19 pandemic, after the curfew was lifted and the second wave still kept us from moving around freely, I found myself back in my hometown, nestled along the west coast of Maharashtra. It was truly then that I started immersing myself in gardening. My best friend and I started exchanging tiny branches of plants, and propagating new life from old stems. Before I knew it, my garden had grown so big that there was hardly any space left for any new plants! In those exhausting times, when the pandemic weighed so heavily on everyone’s mental health, my garden became my solace. The simple act of planting, tending and watching greenery flourish kept me free from that mental fatigue that so many of us were experiencing back then.
We all know that Gardening is therapeutic in some or the other way, but what does it actually do to foster our mental health? Gardening reduces stress and anxiety levels. It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases serotonin levels, which promotes relaxation. It also enhances focus and concentration. The rhythmic tasks of watering, loosening the soil, and removing the weeds from the plants, helps you ground yourself in the present moment. It encourages a meditative state, similar to mindfulness practices. It increases your exposure to sunlight, which in turn increases your Vitamin D, leading to an improved mood.
Interesting, right? But did you know that there can be different types of gardening which can improve your mental well-being? Let me list a couple of them you can try out.
Sensory Gardening: Sensory gardening is a type of gardening that stimulates all five senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound—through the selection and arrangement of plants. Your tiny little garden can include little plants appealing to all the five senses. For example, brightly coloured flowers like marigold or dahlias can uplift mood and provide visual stimulation. Similarly, aromatic flowers or herbs like roses, rosemary, or lavender can release calming scents that can help reduce anxiety. Edible plants like coriander or basil engage the sense of taste and can be easily planted even in small spaces. Adding wind chimes or a small fountain can add an auditory element to your garden.
Indoor Gardening: People living in urban areas might find it difficult to find the space for planting. Indoor gardening allows people to bring nature to their homes. Houseplants not only purify the air, but also create a calming atmosphere. Setting up an indoor garden can be as simple as choosing low maintenance plants like snake plants or a money plant and placing them near windows for optimal sunlight, and establishing a watering routine.
Community Gardening: Growing plants in shared spaces can reduce feelings of isolation. You can connect with friends who share an interest in gardening, exchange plants and tips, and even find a small shared space for yourself on a rooftop or a backyard corner. This not only enhances greenery but also strengthens relationships, making gardening a collective and enriching experience.
Gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to heal, to reconnect with nature, and to cultivate inner peace. For me, it was a childhood memory that blossomed into a personal sanctuary. Whether it’s a small potted plant on your balcony or a lush backyard garden, the simple act of growing plants can nurture your soul. You can also turn gardening into a shared experience to connect with friends and create green spaces together. Whether you find a small plot in your neighbourhood to garden together or simply share tips and experiences, gardening has the power to bring people closer while promoting mindfulness and spreading joy.
Before I wrap up for the day, I’d like to remind you that gardening is just one aspect of nature therapy, and there are many others equally beneficial for your well-being. In my next blog, I’ll be discussing the role of water in improving mental health. Stay tuned, and I hope to see you there!
