Want to Live Longer? Build a Garden!

The more time I spend in the garden, the more I’m convinced:

Living with plants isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifestyle that supports longevity.

Gardens require us to move, to notice, to breathe deeper. They pull us outside into fresh air and sunlight. They get our hands in the soil (nature’s best therapy!) and invite us into daily rhythms of tending, watering, weeding, harvesting… all the small moments that keep us grounded and active.

And here’s the delightful part:

When we build gardens, we’re not just growing plants — we’re growing ourselves, too. Research shows that gardening (or simply being outside in a garden) lowers stress, supports heart health, improves mood and provides a sense of purpose and connection. But you don’t need a study to convince you. You’ve already experienced it! You just need to step outside, smell the soil, watch something you planted take hold and you’ll understand.

As we begin a new year, here’s to gardening as a path to a longer, healthier, calmer life. More green. More sunshine. More growing — for our plants and for us. So keep planting. Keep building. Keep living with plants. And if you need someone to help you put your ideas down on paper and then outside your home, please give us a call (717-653-1273)! Bringing garden joy and natural beauty to your life is our goal and our reward!

Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& “garden longevity” proponent)