By Mary Jo Greene
Should we ever get to a place where we call something a “positive” to come from these strange COVID times, gardening might be the real contender.
Over the past year, millions of Americans have rediscovered themselves through gardening and growing. The impetus behind this increased interest is varied: limited access to grocery items and other staples, parents looking for an activity to do with the kids, or simply a need to fill the long days of lockdown. Seed shortages, the scarcity of gardening equipment, and increased internet searches for gardening “know-how” confirm that the pull of gardening has been unprecedented. (U.S. seed company W. Atlee Burpee & Co., for example, sold more seed last March than any time in its 144-year history.) It also suggests that our need to garden isn’t just cultural, geographically specific, or economically driven. We need gardens on a more intuitive and emotive level.
Our furtive growing efforts during times of panic and crisis isn’t a new phenomenon but one that has been seen throughout history. It has provided us the opportunity to feed and support war efforts, allowed us to demonstrate resilience in response to hurricanes, earthquakes and human catastrophe, and enabled us to take control of food security for our communities.
Gardens don’t just feed us, they feed our souls. Science and psychologists agree that gardening has a range of positive effects on us, both physically and mentally. Research has shown how just looking at nature, greenery and natural landscapes can lower stress hormone levels and heart rates, increase mental well-being, and lower blood pressure. The geometric, fractal shapes which only occur in nature prompt the wiring in our brains to enjoy a relaxed state. As little as 20 minutes of time spent in green spaces can have better, restorative effects than most other leisure pursuits. Spending time in the garden makes us happier, healthier and more connected – what a Blue Zones lifestyle is all about. While that comes as no surprise to most avid gardeners, somehow during times of crisis these benefits take on a much more acute purpose.
In fact, the simple task of growing and nurturing the earth does so much more for us. The soothing effects of caring for our living environment, where control over our own health and the health of loved ones is out of our control, is something we can all enjoy. Taking a seed or a plant and nurturing it to thrive is a calming antidote to our day-to-day stresses, the current uncertainty and our COVID anxiety. Gardening allows us to create something positive. It enables us to connect when contact and connection to those nearest and dearest to us has been so abruptly severed. It is as much a balm for our soul as it is a reaction to boredom, or a nice, healthy hobby. It is good for us to grow.
Green spaces, gardens and playgrounds have been crucial and often the deciding factor in creating a safe and socially distanced environment that allows schools to reopen. Classroom windows are being pushed wide open, classes are being taken outside, and eating lunch outdoors is becoming normal. We are happier and better for it. According to Diane Blazek, executive director of the U.S. industry group National Garden Bureau, gardening and the repurposing of our outdoor environments may just be one of a very few positive trends to emerge from this pandemic. “Hopefully everyone will be eating better and gardening more and more self-reliant,” she said.
As we enter into our “new normal” beyond the pandemic, we need to hold onto our gardens and continue to reap the benefits. It is worth our commitment. Our gardens have served us well. They have provided for us in more ways than we could have ever expected. That’s definitely a positive!
Gardening Resources
Tarrant County Food Policy Council – Offering gardening resources throughout Tarrant County: http://www.tarrantcountyfoodpolicycouncil.org/garden-2.html
BRIT GROW Program – Classes for adults and children, information, and volunteer opportunities through the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden: https://www.brit.org/GROW
Tarrant Area Food Bank Community Garden – Gardening classes and volunteer opportunities: https://tafb.org/community-garden/
Urban Gardening Workgroup on Facebook – A good place for resources, asking questions, and connecting with other gardeners (private group but you can request to join): https://www.facebook.com/groups/cguaresources
Grow Southeast – A consortium of growers in southeast Fort Worth offering volunteer opportunities. Help out as your schedule permits while getting the benefits of gardening: https://growsoutheastfw.wixsite.com/texas/get-involved