There are plenty of benefits to being outside – walking in the fresh air is good exercise, direct exposure to the sun helps the body to produce vitamin D and simply being around nature can be relaxing and soothing.  If you really want to up the potential health benefits of the great outdoors, you can get your hands dirty and do a little gardening.

Even if you don’t have a large plot of land to work with, you can still benefit from planting and tending to flowers and plants.  A window box for flowers and planters for larger plants on a patio or deck can provide plenty of enjoyment and actively tending to them is a nice addition to your overall physical activity for the day.

Studies have also shown that flowers and plants given to persons recovering from injuries and illnesses seemed to help speed the recovery process over individuals who didn’t have some extra greenery around.  So if have been ailing or suffering in any way, having flowers and potted plants around may help you to get on the mend.

Not long ago, local farmers visited the Wilsonville with wonderful plants for purchase and many residents jumped at the chance to obtain some new foliage.  If you didn’t get your hands on some of the plants and flowers from the sale, there is no need to despair; there are plenty of places local to the Wilsonville where you could buy small plants or even seeds to start your own little garden.  While you wait for your garden to grow you can enjoy some of the wonderful foliage around the grounds of the Wilsonville.

photo credit: Joe Lodge