Feeling Better Through Gardening: The Healing Power of Nature

I’ve realized there’s a strong connection between my mental health and this outdoor hobby

Hibiscus in my Dad’s yard. © Carol Labuzzetta, 2024.

I don’t know exactly when I made the connection between gardening and well-being but I certainly feel strongly about it today.

Growing up we were asked to weed the vegetable garden, cut the lawn, and clean the pool. While none of those jobs were a favorite, I eventually planted flower and vegetable gardens of my own.

In a condo in Maryland, we had tomatoes and peppers. In our first home in Buffalo, I grew hardy mums and hostas. I also learned I didn’t care for certain shrubs like spirea.

Once we moved to Wisconsin, our gardens took off. We put in a dozen apple trees and several perennial beds. I planted over 100 daffodil bulbs when eight months pregnant. And I had a favorite “tree,” the Miss Kim Korean Lilac.

All Growing in My Past Home Gardens — Bleeding Heart, Wild Blue Lupine, Star Gazer Lily, Wild Geranium — Johnson’s Blue. © Carol Labuzzetta