Nurturing Mental Health Through Gardening: A Personal Journey

As I approach my one-year anniversary with Gardenuity, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact that gardening can have on mental health. Collaborating with leaders, teams, customers, and colleagues nationwide, I’ve seen how integrating wellness initiatives into our daily routines can foster a healthier, more connected workforce.

The Science Behind Gardening and Mental Health

The therapeutic benefits of gardening are well-documented. Engaging with nature has been shown to reduce stress, elevate mood, and enhance overall well-being. A 2024 study highlighted that participants involved in nature-based activities, such as community gardening, reported increased happiness and reduced anxiety. Happiness scores rose from 5.3 to 7.5 out of 10, while anxiety scores dropped from 4.8 to 3.4 (The Guardian).

Balancing Act: Motherhood and Self-Care

As a mother of two teenagers—both active in year-round varsity sports and newly navigating the roads—I’ve come to understand the critical importance of self-care. It’s often said that “self-care is not selfish,” a sentiment echoed by clinical psychologist Dr. Eddie Murphy, who emphasizes that prioritizing one’s well-being is essential for overall health. By tending to our own needs, we equip ourselves to better support those around us (The Sun).

Gardenuity’s Commitment to Employee Mental Health

At Gardenuity, we’ve developed programs that seamlessly integrate gardening into wellness initiatives, promoting mental health within corporate settings. Some of my personal favorites include:

The Power of a Moment Workshop: This program emphasizes mindfulness and presence, using gardening as a tool to anchor individuals in the present moment, fostering mental clarity and reducing stress.
Thyme for You: A Self-Care Gardening Experience: Participants engage in planting and nurturing thyme, symbolizing the importance of taking ‘time’ for oneself. This hands-on activity reinforces the value of self-care in daily life.
Resilient and Rooted: Drawing parallels between plant resilience and human adaptability, this program encourages teams to cultivate resilience through gardening, reinforcing the strength found in strong roots and adaptability to change.

A Personal Reflection

Each day at Gardenuity offers a new lesson in the transformative power of nature. Sharing this knowledge has become the cornerstone of my journey. Incorporating gardening into our lives and workplaces not only beautifies our surroundings but also cultivates a culture of wellness, resilience, and connection.

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s recognize the profound impact that simple, nature-based activities can have on our well-being. Embracing gardening is more than planting seeds—it’s about nurturing our minds, bodies, and communities.

Heather Noland
National Partnerships at Gardenuity
heather@gardenuity.com