Spring hasn’t quite sprung, but the green buds popping up on trees and bushes all around are sparking excitement in gardeners throughout New Orleans! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just celebrating your ferns making it through an entire season, now is the perfect time to start planning your spring gardens. Aside from the lovely aesthetics plants and flowers provide, gardening also offers a plethora of health benefits, especially for seniors. Take advantage of the warm breeze and the longer days, grab some gloves and a shovel, and dig in!
Why Gardening is Advantageous for Seniors
Emotional Well-Being:
The core of your very existence revolves around your mental health. It affects all elements of your day to day life, including your physical health. Being outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, soaking in a healthy dose of vitamin D, and grounding are natural mood boosters that are easily achieved while gardening. It helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while nurturing the mind, body, and soul. Getting your hands in the dirt, working with plants, and nurturing them through the growing process has a calming effect, lowering cortisol (the stress hormone). Simultaneously, gardening helps to increase serotonin and dopamine, which is directly linked to your happiness. While you don’t have to be an expert to garden, there is some problem solving involved to keep a happy, healthy garden. This thought process engages various areas of the brain, including memory, and assists in keeping the brain active. Such activities may help to reduce the risk of dementia.
Physical Well-Being:
The obvious physical benefit of gardening is the added activity to your daily routine. Consistent physical activity and exercise improves mobility, flexibility, and balance in seniors, decreasing fall risks and injuries and increasing overall strength, energy, and endurance. Studies also show that exercise from gardening decreases blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, the absorption of vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining good bone health and immune function.
Social Benefits:
For seniors, loneliness and isolation can be a concern if you are not actively engaged with others. Gardening is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in the community. There are various garden clubs where you can forge friendships, share experiences, reach out for assistance or advice, and even trade or share plants and seeds. Getting your hands in the dirt with your neighbors, children, and grandchildren helps to strengthen relationships while making memories in the process. As an added perk, watching your garden grow provides a fulfilling sense of accomplishment. If you’re growing flowers or fruits and vegetables, you can further enjoy your hard work with a hand-picked arrangement or a tasty reward.
Gardening Tips for Seniors
Although gardening is a perfectly appropriate activity for seniors, there are still certain precautions you should take to make it safe and enjoyable. There simple, senior-friendly modifications can improve your gardening experience:
Garden During Cooler Hours:
It is best to avoid the strong sunlight in the peak hours of the day. Make arrangements to work in your garden in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t as potent. Be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing, like a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and a wide brimmed hat.
Properly Hydrate:
Be sure to monitor your daily water intake and increase, as needed. Additionally, take breaks, when necessary, to prevent overexertion.
Use Raised Beds:
Constant bending and kneeling can quickly cause aches and pains throughout your body. Opting for raised beds or containers is an easy way to eliminate the unnecessary discomforts, while still achieving the same benefits and results.
Install Irrigation System:
You can minimize the need for frequent watering by installing an irrigation system. This can be a simple drip system or a more complex, professional system, depending on your needs.
Select Appropriate Tools
: Heavy, cumbersome tools can cause strain on your hands and wrists. Lightweight, ergonomic tools can be beneficial for seniors, especially those with arthritis.
Local Garden Clubs and Garden Centers
Partnering with local gardening clubs and reputable garden centers can enhance your overall gardening experience. Experts in the area are able share their knowledge and assist in building community engagement. Here are some notable clubs and centers in the Greater New Orleans Area:
Master Gardeners of Greater New Orleans (MGGNO):
This is a great resource for anyone looking to further their knowledge in lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and gardens. MGGNO offers educational programs for local community members.
The New Orleans Town Gardeners (NOTG):
This organization focuses on restoring, improving, and protecting the SELA environment through educational programs. NOTG aims to inspire a love of gardening within the community.
Perino’s Home & Garden Center:
Perino’s is a reputable garden center established in 1949. For years it has been serving local residents with all of their gardening needs from plants to outdoor furniture to home accessories. Additionally, they provide a wealth of knowledge to both novice and seasoned gardeners, alike.
The Plant Gallery:
You can fulfill all of your horticultural needs in one stop! The plant gallery caters to both residential and commercial landscaping, as well as lawn care and floral delivery.
Banting’s Nursery:
In addition to a vast selection of plants, shrubs, and trees, Banting’s also offers a wide array of landscape supplies and services, including garden consultations.