PROPERTY NEWS - We discussed previously how to design a garden to appeal to all our physical senses. To optimise our garden enjoyment we must also cater for our sixth sense, our Extrasensory Perception, by which we gain information through our mind.
Then our garden will also serve our higher needs, providing a harmonious space wherein we can unwind, reflect and restore ourselves.
Design your garden in such a way that there are nooks and crannies where you can experience its soul. Studies proved that gardening is better at relieving stress than other relaxing leisure activities. This can happen by just being in the garden atmosphere, but also by the activities it allows you to participate in.
Dig in the dirt, prune the plants yourself, talk to them ! A study that followed elderly people for 16 years, found that those who gardened regularly had a 36% lower risk of dementia.
When we spend time in the garden, we slow down and get so absorbed in our activities, we loose sense of time and forget our daily concerns. We go into a blissful state of mindfulness, similar to meditation.
Make provision for physical activities that will increase your life satisfaction, psychological well-being and cognitive function.
Digging in the dirt allows you to discharge stressful negative static electricity into the soil, and it has also been found that soil microbes that you inhale, stimulate the production in the brain of the feel-good hormone, serotonin, making you feel relaxed and happier.
Design your garden to create a harmonious, ecological niche where you can emotionally connect with Nature. It must not be a sterile environment, devoid of other organisms that we can relate to because of too much artificial hard surfaces or the use of toxic insecticides, herbicides and chemical fertilisers.
When we spend time in the garden, we slow down and get so absorbed in our activities, we loose sense of time and forget our daily concerns.
Make use of companion planting and plants that will attract natural predators of harmful insects, beautiful little creatures, such as ladybirds that will not only do good, but also make you feel good. Introduce plants that will connect you to the cycles of Nature.
It is exciting to see the first buds and new leaves of Spring on a deciduous tree. Allow your child to plant a tree in the garden, watch it grow, and become aware of the wonders of God's creation.
You can contact Ben at benroos7@gmail.com.
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