Plants and Nature Are a Cornerstone of Healthy Living

By Richard Flowers, ACCNP-Green Thumb Nursery-Ventura

My daily routine commences at sunrise, as I venture outdoors to appreciate the sunlight filtering through the trees and foliage. This creates a tranquil, aesthetically pleasing, and inspiring environment. I then proceed towards the garden shed, passing majestic oak trees and admiring ferns hanging from the branches above. At the shed, concealed behind a red trumpet vine, I gather birdseed and scatter it within a designated area surrounded by fragrant pink jasmine, roses, daisies, a plum tree, and the tall golden locust visible from the kitchen window. Soon after, numerous birds arrive to feed, peck, and sing harmonious melodies. Subsequently, I walk along the bark pathway, passing flowerbeds and shrubs to reach a birdbath within a succulent garden, which I refill with water. This simple yet tranquil act sets a positive tone for the day, as I observe birds feeding and bathing, thereby preparing me to confront the day’s challenges with a constructive mindset. As evening approaches, the sun sets, the moon ascends, and the distant mountains are illuminated with vibrant colors. I walk along the garden pathways under the moonlight, illuminated by yard lights that accentuate the trees’ unique charm.

The garden transforms as crickets chirp, owls hoot, and ambient lighting flickers among the plants. This daily routine of starting and concluding the day is both soothing and enchanting. When indoors, I gaze out the kitchen window to admire the flowers, observe the verdant scenery, and listen to the birds, establishing a routine that is both magical and inspiring. Indoors, houseplants enhance a sense of calm, relaxation, and freshness, while outdoors, the lush flora fosters feelings of health and well-being.

When experiencing stress, anxiety, or distress, I prefer to venture outdoors to be in the presence of plants, inhale the fresh air, observe and listen to the birds and squirrels, feel the warmth of the sun on my shoulders, smell the fragrances of the flowers, and enjoy the fruits I have cultivated. Such activities are invaluable, invigorating, calming, and soothing. They significantly enhance my well-being—much like botanical medicine or therapy. My garden serves to restore my balance and infuse me with joy. Spending time in the garden is a comprehensive, healthful, and nurturing experience, helping me remain grounded and interconnected with the earth. It offers an escape from feelings of anger, unhappiness, bitterness, distraction, and imbalance.

Consequently, I walk outdoors into the garden. If possible, I prefer to do so barefoot, which enhances the experience. I am reminded of cherished moments from my childhood—running barefoot across the lawn. It was a splendid experience—cool, refreshing, and gentle underfoot. I also fondly recall building a treehouse in a majestic oak with my father during my youth and swinging from a rope attached to it. I used to climb the same tree, which shows that plants foster childhood joy and adventure and serve as a bond between parents and children. Presently, I do not have a lawn, nor do I climb or swing on trees; however, I follow my childhood instincts by walking along soft, bark-covered pathways that emit an earthy, forest aroma—pleasing and invigorating.

These pathways weave through a labyrinth of ferns, tropical plants, succulents, flowers, Mediterranean flora, trees, and shrubs, each occupying distinct areas. I admire the grandeur of the oak trees from beneath and cherish these moments of connection with my garden. This represents simplicity at its finest. It constitutes a literal connection to the earth.

Throughout my life, I have been a dedicated gardener, and I still am; I always will be — it’s in my blood. Being outdoors refreshes my mind, spirit, and soul. Spending time in the garden involves many tasks that require physical activity, and the list is endless. When I enjoy myself in the garden, I use every muscle. I grab a pair of pruning shears and trim the fragrant Star Jasmine vine. Pruning improves hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Having fragrant plants around, like Star Jasmine when it blooms, creates a wonderful aroma that makes me smile. Moving or lifting objects properly engages my back and leg muscles, much like lifting weights. I might grab a shovel to plant or a rake to clear leaves, both of which provide excellent aerobic exercise. Walking back and forth across my 1-acre landscape is a great way to burn extra calories. Bending over to pull weeds, spreading homemade compost, and cultivating the soil are excellent gardening exercises that tone my body and connect me with nature. Growing plants organically contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Turning the compost pile and adding yard clippings, fruit, and vegetable scraps helps me bond with the earth and enrich the soil. Exposing myself to dirt and some germs can actually boost my immune system and ward off illnesses. Unrolling and rolling up the hose gets my arms moving. To me, watering plants is a refreshing, relaxing, stress-relieving, and soothing experience. Planning my next planting bed or garden project is a mentally stimulating exercise that requires focus and goal-setting. Gardening brings me a deep sense of satisfaction, pride, accomplishment, pleasure, and motivation. Growing something, working the soil, planting seeds, and preparing beds can be complex and tiring, but when a plant blooms, produces fruit or vegetables, or becomes beautiful, I feel a genuine sense of achievement. It makes me smile and gives me a “natural high.” Playing with plants is an exercise in patience, calmness, excitement, surprises, and reward.

Gardening creates an ever-changing outdoor or indoor classroom that constantly evolves, grows, and
thrives every day. I don’t see a dead plant as failure; I see it as a learning experience to do better and try other plants or techniques to become more successful. I find it fun and rewarding to discover interesting plants in different areas and regions, which excites my curiosity and passion, fueling my enthusiasm and drive. It’s often recommended to get 2 1/2 hours of exercise weekly to stay fit, and gardening accomplishes just that. When life feels overwhelming, I find peace under a majestic oak tree in the backyard, listening to the birds sing — it’s a moment of peace.

Adopting a habit of breathing fresh air and immersing oneself among plants can significantly enhance personal happiness, elevate mood, and offer revitalization. Gardening is my passion, and engaging in outdoor activities in sunlight gradually increases my vitamin D levels—an essential nutrient for immune function and calcium absorption, both vital for maintaining strong bones. Interacting with plants can help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Proximity to nature and flora fosters an appreciation for Earth’s offerings and underscores their significance. Being around plants fosters humbleness and gratitude. Throughout our daily lives, plants profoundly influence us: the garments we wear are crafted from cotton, our nutritional intake largely comes from plant sources, and the furniture in my residence is fashioned from timber from trees. Food scraps from vegetables and fruits are incorporated into compost, which decomposes and enriches the soil, which, by the way, is the foundation of plant growth, thereby fostering increased yields of fruits or flowers. This cycle perpetuates continuously. Engaging in gardening promotes physical activity, sharpens mental acuity, and heightens environmental awareness. When outdoor activities are not feasible, I tend to my indoor plants, which enliven interior spaces, making them more vibrant, fresher, inviting, and purer.

I have designated areas within my garden where decorative benches are placed adjacent to the pond and within the bamboo section, creating tranquil locations conducive to relaxation, contemplation, and communion with nature. These areas serve as ideal sites for sitting, reflecting, pondering, meditating, stimulating the senses, and simply existing. The garden benches delineate special vantage points from which one can observe natural phenomena, seek inspiration, compose an article, or read a preferred book concerning nature or horticulture. During hot weather, I seek refuge beneath the shade of towering oak trees. Following rainfall, the garden takes on a vibrant, revitalized appearance, reinvigorating my desire to spend time there. Even when not engaged in gardening activities, I maintain a sense of connection to flora, hike the local terrain, observe, and explore native plants in their natural habitats.

Envision a world devoid of plants; such a scenario would be bleak, depressing, and morbid, which is undesirable. Plants generate oxygen, and in their absence, organisms that rely on oxygen for breathing could not survive. Furthermore, plants actively mitigate global warming by absorbing greenhouse gases and reducing their atmospheric concentrations. It is noteworthy that 77% of individuals engage in gardening—a practice with a history spanning centuries. Consequently, this activity brings joy to many participants. Plants also absorb odors, pollutants, dust, and wind, and they help reduce glare. Plants can lower ambient temperatures by up to 10°F, thereby helping mitigate urban “heat islands” and reduce energy costs. They also conserve water, provide employment opportunities, offer shelter, recreation, and serve as play areas for children. In urban environments, plants enhance attention span, working memory, and concentration. They promote community engagement and empowerment, thereby improving the overall quality of life within neighborhoods. Moreover, plants—particularly specific tree species—add historical significance, increase property value, and enhance a neighborhood’s charm. Other plant species can help mitigate noise from streets and highways, making residential areas more attractive to live in. Plants provide fruits, flowers, herbs, fragrances, medicines, therapeutic benefits, erosion control, privacy, tools, first-aid resources, security, and aesthetic appeal. They form a pleasing green canopy that fosters relaxation and alleviates stress. When surrounded by vegetation, individuals often experience serenity, peace, restfulness, and tranquility. Additionally, plants provide habitats for wildlife and pollinators, supporting ecosystems that facilitate the thriving and harmonious growth of diverse plant species.

Plants and nature play a crucial role in healing, strengthening, and alleviating pain among individuals of all ages. I have observed this personally through my weekly visits to my grandmother at a continuing care facility. She is ill, weak, and frail. She requests to sit by the window, observing the outdoors and feeling the warm sunlight streaming through the glass to warm her face. She derives pleasure from viewing the outdoors, including plants, trees, flowers, birds, butterflies, clouds, the sky, and mountains. This brings her happiness, alleviates her pain, and induces a smile and a sense of well-being before she returns to her room. When observing individuals in the nursery engaging with the plants, they often appear more joyful and relaxed. Additionally, elementary school children, accompanied by their teachers, occasionally visit to learn about plants, demonstrating that gardening is an enjoyable activity suitable for people of all ages, from young to old.

Being in the presence of plants cultivates romance, connection, and a sense of adventure. Gardening is an activity that individuals engage in to varying degrees. Whether it involves a few patio or balcony plants in pots, a single houseplant, or a sizable outdoor garden, gardening enables us to connect with nature. Cultivating one’s own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants encourages a healthier lifestyle and enhances dietary habits. Even tending a few pots of flowers at a city residence can foster a meaningful relationship with nature. Those who are unable to maintain personal gardens often visit public gardens and admire the flora, either through reading materials or virtually via digital platforms. Some individuals may possess a plot in a community garden or be members of a garden club or society. The natural world and its myriad offerings captivate public interest. People congregate in parks, zoos, botanical gardens, natural reserves, or even hotels, resorts, and shopping centers, where splendid plant displays attract visitors. People go camping, hiking, have picnics, and spend time outside in nature for fun, relaxation, recreation, and fresh air, where togetherness, bonding, alone time, and a place to escape occur. Gardening elevates quality of life by serving as a source of inspiration, education, and tranquility. Time spent in gardening environments is restful and motivating, promoting an appreciation for the Earth’s beauty.

Gardening can also evoke a sense of achievement and purpose. Outdoor activities, such as walking around the block, surrounded by plants and fresh air, can significantly improve one’s mood. Plants constitute a cornerstone of healthy living. Green Thumb Nursery provides a comprehensive selection of edible plants and seeds, including seasonal vegetables, fruit trees, vines, and herbs, all ready for planting in your home farm or garden. This initiative supports the pursuit of nutritious diets and encourages a healthy lifestyle by incorporating numerous natural sources of vitamins and minerals, including A, C, and K; potassium; fiber; antioxidants; and folate. Many varieties of houseplants for indoor use offered by Green Thumb demonstrate their ability to purify the air. The nursery also offers a range of shrubs, trees, native plants, hedges, and shade plants suitable for outdoor environments. I recommend that individuals engage with nature by spending time outdoors or indoors, surrounded by houseplants or the natural environment. Incorporating the presence and enjoyment of plants into one’s routine is undoubtedly beneficial. Consider visiting your preferred Green Thumb Nursery, exploring the diverse array of plants available, and bringing some home to enhance your health and make plants and nature a cornerstone of your healthy living.

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