Community Garden Magazine Issue Ten June 2016 Community Garden Magazine Issue Ten June 2016 | Page 18

But consider these other , more unexpected benefits :

� Time spent in green spaces can lessen stress and anxiety while improving blood pressure , heart activity and muscle tension .

� Healthy , well-fed grass cleanses the water supply and reduces runoff more than an unfed lawn .

� Green spaces have an “ upgrade effect ” – beautifying your own lawn and garden encourages others to do so as well .

� Spending time in green spaces improves concentration and memory , and can even soothe ADHD symptoms .

� An average-sized lawn provides a cooling effect equal to the air conditioning from two houses .

� Landscaping can add up to 15 percent to the value of a home .

With all of these wonderful benefits in mind , ScottsMiracle- Gro has made it its mission to improve community garden and green space development . In 2011 , we established theGRO1000 Gardens and Green Spaces Program , which aims to create 1,000 gardens and green spaces in the U . S . by 2018 . Through this initiative , financial grants are awarded to cities for the installation of innovative edible gardens , public gardens and green space development within their communities . So far , more than 500 communities have created or supported community gardens and green spaces through this program . We ’ ve also already taken actions that better protect our shared water resources and the communities that depend on those waters . Efforts include :

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