It’s easy to romanticize gardening and certainly, for some people, it truly is the most enjoyable way to get outside, get some exercise and reduce stress. However, for families, professionals or simply those who live in a region with extreme temperatures, the idea of gardening can be more appealing than the reality. Not everyone is a gardener, just like not everyone is a basketball player or into knitting. You should figure out what the reality of your gardening skills and time commitments are before picking a property based on gardening potential.
As a renter, you’re in a great position. Some landlords have property management companies that take care of basic landscaping for you. If you’re not a gardener, this fee is included in your rent and you don’t have to worry about braving the scorching heat or freezing temperatures to mow and edge your lawn. Other properties are for rent with the understanding that the tenants will take care of the landscaping. Consider this a vital factor when looking for a new rental.
The upside to gardening
Numerous studies have touted the holistic health benefits of gardening. It can actually be quite a workout, raising your heart rate and demanding heaving lifting. If you practice good posture while gardening, you can enjoy the benefits of aerobic and anaerobic exercise, stronger muscles, a lower resting heart rate and even more flexibility. However, physical health isn’t the only upside to gardening.
Many gardeners tout stress reduction as the main appeal of maintaining a garden. There’s something meditative about getting back to the earth (literally), spending afternoons in the sunshine, and of course caring for living things. Gardening can be beneficial to your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. However, not everyone is a natural fit for this (just like yoga doesn’t appeal to absolutely everyone).
On the other hand…
Gardening isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It can be truly tough work depending on your goals, your physical abilities and the terrain. For some people, the constant bending and stooping can cause chronic aches and pains. Sun and heat sensitivity is definitely a factor to consider, and heat stroke while gardening is unfortunately a big risk especially for older adults. Plus, gardens don’t understand that sometimes the weather is keeping them from being pruned and deadheaded, so you need to be really committed to make the most of your garden.
Deciding whether or not a garden is for you shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially if you’re in a neighborhood with HOA that demands certain standards be maintained. If you’re on the fence, consider starting with planter boxes or windowsill gardens. This will let you dip your toes into the world of gardening first to see if it’s a match for you.
Jared Quips
Gardening is something that I am sure I will definitely enjoy. It was my mum’s life long dream to tend a garden of our own but she wasn’t really a green thumb and is having quite a hard time keeping plants well + alive. But I am sure with a little hard work + a prayer, our plants will bloom into beautiful flowers in our front yard. And did I tell you I help mum tend to our plants by watering + singing to them in the afternoon? Do let me know how you help your mums with your home garden in a comment below, right? 🙂
images are from freedigitalphotos.net
4 Comments
I think if you have the space, it would be good to maintain a garden. It would be a nice hobby and would make the place more refreshed.
i totally agree! not only for those who have the space, too, some also found ways to create pocket gardens in limited spaces + I also stumbled upon hydrophonic type of gardening where you do not require soil to have your own garden.
I grew up in a home with a small but full garden. My grandparents’ houses also have large yards and gardens. Thing is I’ll be moving to a condo. I really feel I’ll miss being surrounded by greenery. So I’ve been researching about indoor plants and potted herbs.
i bet a place like that will be very cool to live in! my mum also grew up in her little version of “bahay kubo” that is why i think she really misses a home + a yard full of flowering plants + fruit-bearing trees! 🙂