![\"Planting](\"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/IMGP1222.jpg\")
<\/a>Planting my living roof<\/p><\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Gardening can improve physical health by strengthening muscles and improving coordination, balance, endurance, and even boosting immune function. Digging, planting, weeding are excellent forms of low-impact exercise.\u00a0 People who are older, recovering from physical illness, have disabilities, suffer from chronic pain and that find more vigorous exercise a challenge may benefit from garden activities. I used to know many older Master Gardeners; I admired and respected them and believed that just keeping active helped them live longer!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 A word of caution, however, many gardeners have problems with their backs, wrists and knees. It is important to learn the proper way to stand, sit, lift and carry. Planting in raised beds may reduce both back strain and knee problems.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 One advantage gardening has over other forms of exercise is that it is a goal-oriented outdoor activity. There is a definite purpose, either to grow food or to create beauty. People are more likely to stick with it and do it often. But make sure your goals don\u2019t cause you to \u201coverdo\u201d such that you will be in pain the following day. You should know your limits!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 You may still need to find a way to get a better cardio workout: running, biking, hiking, dancing, etc. Maybe you can dance amongst the flowers in your garden! \u00a0I am also finding that as I get older with painful, creaky arthritic joints, a little yoga in the morning to stretch out helps, too!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 Being outside in the fresh air and sunshine gets you some natural Vitamin D, too\u2014but wear a hat and use sunscreen on sunny days to prevent skin damage.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0 The mental benefits of gardening can sometimes outweigh any physical discomfort. You can be proud of a job well done! Gardening may even help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve your mood, combat depression, and lower the risk of developing dementia. Nothing beats communing with nature for spiritual well-being! The Horticulture Therapy Association <\/a>website has more information on the health benefits of gardening and even discusses how to create a \u201cTherapeutic Garden.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Planting a garden can also be a means of expressing your creativity. \u00a0Every spring I plant up containers with cheerful, colorful annuals\u2014they make me smile \ud83d\ude42\u00a0<\/span>\u2026 As you are working, don\u2019t forget to pause and smell the flowers, listen to the birds, and appreciate other tiny creatures within the natural beauty that surrounds you!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You can also grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs.\u00a0 Your home-grown produce may be the freshest, best-tasting, healthiest food you ever ate. Studies of after-school gardening programs even show that kids who garden are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables– And they’re a lot more adventurous about giving new foods a try.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n