Winter Garden Magazine September 2018 | Page 37

cost. And the convenience factor can’t It counts as a workout. You might be beat. Craving a salad for dinner? not think of gardening as a physical Pop outside and pick some lettuce. activity, but it gets your heart rate pumping. Whether you’re pulling You’ll have more compassion and weeds, lifting your Wave petunia less anxiety. Research has found that planters, or working the soil, research gardening creates compassion toward shows you’ll be burning 200 to 400 others, less worry and anxiety, and calories per hour! lowers depression. Further, people who spend more time around plants So, the next time you’re feeling digital are more likely to help others and fatigue, let gardening be your refuge. engage in social relationships. If you Your mind, body and spirit will thank want to experience the satisfaction you. for yourself, start with something simple. Wave Petunias and Cool Wave Pansies are the perfect easy- maintenance, high-performance plants that are great for beginners! Gardening combats loneliness. Studies show that chronic loneliness increases your risk for all kinds of ailments, from stress hormones to inflammation to heart disease. Gardening combats loneliness by giving us a sense of community as it allows us to come together to enjoy local gardens or meet fellow gardeners in your neighborhood. Looking to go one step further? Start a weekly cooking group with friends using ingredients from your gardens! Get started with one of Burpee’s favorite recipes. "If you find you’re desperately in need of a break from devices, try gardening to get back in touch with what’s real." SEPTEMBER 2018 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |   37