Gardening good for both body and spirit

By Alan Suderman
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Whether growing roses for their beauty or tomatoes for their taste, many Americans find gardening to be a relaxing and rewarding hobby.

“I find a great deal of satisfaction in it,” Joan Robins says.

This Eagle’s Trace resident is not alone. Nationwide polls consistently rank gardening as one of the most popular activities in the country. And experts say its popularity is likely to sprout as more baby boomers discover the joys of getting their hands dirty and their thumbs green.

Many different benefits
Dr. Richard Mattson, a professor of horticultural therapy at Kansas State University, says gardening can be an ideal hobby for older adults. Working with plants can be a great way to get a little exercise without overdoing it.

And simply being around plants and flowers can improve your health, Mattson says.

He says research shows that a short stroll through a garden can lower your blood pressure and give a boost to your immune system.

“If [you] have enough homegrown tomatoes, it’s probably a social benefit too,” Mattson says with a laugh. “There are all kinds of benefits.”

Mattson also says it’s never too late to take advantage of the positive power of plants. But he stresses moderation is key, especially for older adults.

“It doesn’t take much— the effect is there,” he adds.

All set up and ready to go
At Eagle’s Trace, about 16 residents have their own garden patches next to each other where they grow everything from a fig tree to eggplants. The community garden, which began earlier this year, gives residents a chance to garden together and exchange everything from seeds to hotweather- gardening tips.

Herman Kresse says he’s been gardening all his life and has continued to grow different vegetables after moving to Eagle’s Trace. The retired chemist gets up early almost daily to go water his plants before the Texas heat sets in.