One unexpected benefit I experienced from growing outdoor plants is the deep connection it fosters with the natural world, which brings a sense of calm and grounding that's hard to find elsewhere. With over 15 years of experience and my certification in horticulture, I've learned that plants respond to the subtleties of their environment and in turn, they teach us to tune into those subtleties as well. For instance, while helping a client restore a neglected garden, I decided to introduce native shrubs and ground covers that naturally attract pollinators. Over time, I saw how these plants didn't just thrive but also encouraged a vibrant ecosystem of bees, butterflies and birds. Seeing this resurgence firsthand gave me a profound appreciation for the impact a carefully planned garden can have on its surroundings. It's truly humbling to witness how a garden, even a small one, can support an entire mini-ecosystem and bring nature closer to people. This connection has positively impacted my life by allowing me to slow down and observe the seasons in a way that's often lost in our busy lives. It's taught me patience and the importance of sustainability in gardening. When you're working with outdoor plants, you learn to anticipate the subtle changes in soil, sunlight, and moisture, which become second nature with experience. This insight has not only enhanced my gardening skills but also enriched my life, reminding me of the beauty in nurturing something over time and seeing it come to life. Clients often tell me they feel the same way after spending time in a garden I've helped create. It's rewarding to know that, through my expertise, I can share that joy and connection with others.
As an experienced florist with more than 10 years of experience, one unexpected benefit I've found from growing outdoor plants is how they have brought a sense of calm and tranquility to my daily routine. While tending to plants, I've learned to slow down and be present. The process of nurturing each plant, from sowing the seeds to watching them bloom, has taught me the importance of patience and mindfulness. It's become a form of therapy, allowing me to disconnect from the fast-paced world and focus on something tangible and rewarding. In addition, growing outdoor plants has positively impacted my physical well-being. I've spent more time outdoors, soaking in the natural sunlight, and being active in my garden. Whether it's planting, pruning, or simply watering the plants, it's been a gentle form of exercise that keeps me moving throughout the day. This has not only helped me stay physically fit but also given me a sense of accomplishment as I see my plants thrive. The outdoors and nature have truly become an extension of my work, blending my professional passion for floristry with a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, cultivating a variety of plants has expanded my creative horizons. As a florist, I'm always inspired by nature's diverse colors, shapes, and textures. Growing plants outdoors has given me new ideas for floral arrangements, incorporating unique plants and flowers into my designs. This connection to nature has enriched my work and allowed me to offer more creative, fresh options to my customers. It's a full-circle benefit that has enhanced both my personal life and my professional craft.
One unexpected benefit I've experienced from growing outdoor plants, particularly apple trees, is how they've strengthened my connection to my community. Some of my fondest memories revolve around these trees-picking apples in the yard, creating recipes with family, tossing apples for my dog to chase, and marveling at their vibrant blooms in spring. But what truly surprised me was how these trees became a gathering point. Neighbors would stop by for fallen apples, and people from further away would visit, not just for the fruit, but for the conversation and connection they fostered. As a designer, I often encourage clients to incorporate fruit trees into their landscapes. They're visually stunning in bloom and in fruit, and they attract pollinators, enhancing biodiversity. But more importantly, they draw people closer to nature-and to each other. There's something deeply fulfilling about tending to these trees, experiencing the garden daily, and sharing its rewards with others.
One unexpected benefit I've experienced from growing outdoor plants is a deeper sense of mental clarity and relaxation, particularly through hands-on work with trees and plants that thrive in the Texas climate. Years of experience as a certified arborist have taught me not only the technical aspects of tree care but also how plants can create an incredibly calming atmosphere when cultivated thoughtfully. For instance, we recently worked on a project where we integrated native Texan trees and shrubs, like live oaks and yaupons, into a residential landscape. The results were beautiful and had the unexpected effect of transforming the space into a natural retreat. I noticed how spending time in that environment gave me and the homeowners a powerful sense of calm, which is especially valuable in the fast-paced lives many of us lead. It's like nature's own therapy, right in your backyard. The experience has positively impacted my life by reminding me of the value in creating spaces that not only look good but also contribute to well-being. My training and years of hands-on work in arboriculture allowed me to select and care for plant species that fit perfectly within each unique environment. By creating and maintaining spaces that encourage people to connect with nature, I'm reminded of why I got into this field in the first place: to help people find peace and joy outdoors. It's incredibly rewarding to witness how a thoughtfully designed and well-maintained landscape can make such a difference in people's lives, including my own.
Hello Home & Garden Insider Team, One unexpected benefit I've experienced from growing outdoor plants is the positive impact it's had on my mental health. Gardening has become a great source of stress relief, especially during my last job, which was in a high-pressure environment. Spending time in the garden has helped me disconnect from work stress and focus on something rewarding. It's also kept me physically active, as gardening involves manual labor. Another surprising benefit has been the improvement in the quality of my diet. I planted herbs like rosemary, parsley, and even tomatoes, which I now regularly use in cooking. I've even added a bit of my home-grown rosemary to my shampoo for better hair growth, which was another unexpected bonus. I also feel a deep sense of accomplishment when I can see my plants grow. The excitement I felt when I picked my first tomato was unforgettable-I even called my mom to share the good news! Finally, gardening has brought me a sense of community. I joined a Facebook group dedicated to gardening and connected with new people who share my passion. Kind regards, Angelika Zaber Angelika Zaber is a lawn care specialist working for Online Turf. She is dedicated to providing exceptional lawn care expertise and horticultural advice that encourages both novice and experienced gardeners to have healthy, vibrant lawns all year round.
One unexpected benefit I've experienced from growing outdoor plants is the boost in my mental well-being. When I started gardening, I didn't realize how much time spent outdoors, caring for plants, could reduce stress and improve focus. For example, tending to my garden after a long day has become a form of therapy. It has not only enhanced my productivity but also given me a deeper appreciation for nature. The key takeaway is that nature can be a powerful tool for improving both your mind and life.
How Growing Outdoor Plants Brought Calm, Clarity, and Focus to My Busy Life Growing outdoor plants has brought an unexpected sense of calm and focus into my life. As someone who's always juggling the demands of running a legal process outsourcing company, it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of work. But tending to my garden has been a grounding escape. I started planting a few simple herbs and flowers a few years back, and over time, it became a routine I looked forward to. The quiet time spent nurturing plants has helped me clear my mind and reset, which directly improved my decision-making and focus at work. It's amazing how something as simple as watching a plant grow can remind me to be patient and present, even amidst the daily challenges of entrepreneurship. Plus, the sense of accomplishment when I see the fruits of my labor-whether it's a blooming flower or a fresh batch of herbs-has been deeply rewarding. It's not just about the plants; it's the mental clarity they bring, which positively impacts both my personal life and my work.
One unexpected benefit of growing outdoor plants is the rise in my Vitamin D levels as a result of the additional sun exposure. I am sun-safe and make sure that I wear all forms of sun protection while outdoors. This has impacted my life by helping with seasonal depression/ mood.