THE MANY BENEFITS OF GARDENING

Apartment Living
It’s well-known that exposure to nature is good for you, but many don’t realize that the effect is far stronger when you actively involve yourself with natural environments. One of the best ways to get involved with nature is to plant a garden. Here are some of the benefits you get from gardening:

IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH
Planting flowers, vegetables and trees improves conditions like depression, researchers at Australia’s Deakin University report. There’s no need to run a farm-sized garden to get the effects, either. A window box at your apartment in Chicago will bring some benefits, and a small plot outdoors will work, too.

This effect occurs regardless of the type of plants you choose, but if you plant large ones like trees, you can also feel good about helping the environment. A mature tree will absorb about 50 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Best of all, it’ll keep on doing it for its entire lifespan.

YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH WILL IMPROVE
Planting and tending a garden burns calories, it does this even if it is done in a way that isn’t too physically demanding. When you see fresh vegetables waiting to be eaten, it’ll be natural to go ahead and chow down. Since veggies are healthy to eat and are usually low in calories, you’ll improve your diet and may even lose weight. Going out to garden will also get you outside. Even in cities, outside air is usually fresher and healthier than the air that has been trapped indoors.

YOU’LL GET TO BOND WITH OTHERS – AND THE PLANTS
Bonding is something people naturally seek because it makes them feel like part of a group. With gardening, family and friends are most likely the group members, and when it is done in a public area, your circle of friends will usually expand to include some of the other gardeners there.

You’ll also naturally bond with the plants that you’re tending. You’ll love seeing them grow and thrive, and take joy when they reach their peaks of beauty or productivity.

When you’re done working in your garden, come home to River North Park to relax. Stop by our office to see our available floor plans and our nature-rich court area.