Get connected to nature with gardening
There’s nothing like getting out in nature. Whether you’re hiking, jogging or walking, enjoying the beauty of New Zealand’s parks and bush is a real treat.
Not only is the exercise good for you, but it can leave you feeling happier, according to a survey released by the Mental Health Foundation of NZ in 2018. From this survey, over 95 per cent of Kiwis who were involved said that spending time in nature made them feel good.
Unfortunately, getting older can make it harder to access outdoor spaces, especially if your health or mobility is declining. Thankfully, it’s not all over – one solution could be to bring nature to you in your own garden.
You don’t need to have ‘green thumbs’ for it either – whether you’re smelling your own flowers or experiencing the joy of tasting your own home-grown fruits, vegetables or herbs, creating a natural oasis at home is definitely achievable.
Here’s some ideas to help to help you on your gardening journey:
What type of garden?
With many different types of gardens to choose from, the options are as endless as your space and imagination. If you’ve got a big yard, there’s room to fill it with multiple types of gardens – a vegetable patch, fruit trees, or native plants which attract birds are all great ideas. For those on a smaller property, installing planter boxes, buying pot plants or making a planting table can help you make the Buy some plants or seeds
This is the fun part! You can find most seedlings or small plants at garden centres relatively inexpensively, depending on the plant. Seed packets are even cheaper to buy, but take longer to grow and may not always produce desired results.
Plan and plant wisely
Have you wanted to get into gardening for a while but found your joints or back just aren’t up for it? You’re not alone here – in fact, this is one of the biggest reasons why older adults give up on gardening. Thankfully though, you can work around this problem. Try growing vertically using trellis-based plants or raised planter boxes to reduce all the kneeling and bending you have to do for a garden at ground level. Another idea is to install a ‘living wall’ by simply adding horizontal fence panels to a shed or existing wall, from which you can hang pot plants or Japanese-style kokedama (moss balls).
Put in the mahi
Weeding and watering your plants may not be the most enjoyable activity at first, but it’s an essential step in creating a garden. More importantly, it’s a way to connect to nature as you become the caretaker of your own green space. If you’re finding it difficult, remember you don’t have to do it alone! Ask a trusted friend, family member or caregiver to give you a hand – you’ll both enjoy the companionship as you watch your garden grow.
For more gardening tips or advice, the internet is a great resource or ask the staff at your local gardening centre, they’d be happy to help you out.