The health benefits of spending time in the garden

I recently discovered the Tell Us About….. link up through my friend Debbie from Deb’s World. It is a newish link up hosted by some lovely ladies from all over the world. You can see who they are at the end of the post and perhaps check out what they have written for this month’s prompt. Last month it was Tell Us About…. Whimsy. Youu can read my post When Was the Last Time You were Whimsical HERE .

Earlier this month, the lovely Gail from ‘Is This Mutton?‘ , who organises the Link Up, emailed me, along with some other bloggers asking if we would like to join the Tell Us About…. Team. I was delighted to accept as it is another opportunity to meet other bloggers, write about different topics around Living Well and to share my thoughts.

Each month one of the members selects a topic/prompt and this month it is Tell Us About……Gardens and Gardening. The prompt was suggested by Penny from Frugal Fashion Shopper and I think it was a great choice. I’m sure there will be some beautiful photos for this one from all contributors.

I thought I would write about the health benefits of gardens and gardening and share some of my favourite gardens in Brisbane.

The health benefits of spending time in the garden

1. Gardens provide a sense of calm
2. Spending time in the garden and nature is great for our mental health and well-being.
3. Studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety and time out from a busy world.
4. Gardening and tending to your garden provides a physical workout – one that you enjoy
5. Gardening or spending time in the garden brings us closer to nature and encourages us to practice mindfulness and be present in the moment
6. Spending time in the garden provides an opportunity for fresh air and to top up our Vitamin D in the sunshine
7. Spending time working in a community garden with others provides a social connection and sense of belonging
8. Our garden can bring a sense of achievement when we see them bloom
9. Gardens can bring joy to the soul
10. Gardens can be a healthy food source

What do you do when you don’t have a garden?

We lived in an apartment for the last three years on the Gold Coast and recently moved back to Brisbane to a 3-bedroom townhouse. We are enjoying renovating and looking forward to updating the small yard. I don’t really have a green thumb but I am looking forward to designing our new low maintenance back garden with my husband. My son-in-law recently built an outdoor patio so that is a start and I’m looking forward to soaking up some Winter sunshine with a morning coffee.

Until our garden is completed, I’m enjoying the gardens of Brisbane and discovering the health benefits of spending time in the garden and nature.

We do have a pool in the common areas of the complex which is a nice place to sit during the summer and do a photo shoot for a clothing brand. .

There is a lovely parkland area nearby with a lake filled with wildlife

The City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane

The City Botanic Gardens are located right in the midst of Brisbane City. I love my weekly run through these gardens by the Brisbane river and this was the venue for the recent Mother’s Day Classic Run which is a tradition my daughter and I have for Mother’s Day morning. We have done this run for over 10 years in memory of my Mum who died from breast cancer back in 1985. It is a very scenic run and it’s hard to believe you are in the CBD of a major city.

The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha

A place I love to visit with my grandsons as a school holiday outing, is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens which are located at Mt Coot-tha, 7km from the CBD and set in 56 hectares, has something for everyone. My grandsons always enjoy a visit during the school holidays and it is a great way for children to explore nature and run free.

Whilst the gardens have several different areas they don’t actually have a formal floral garden unlike the City Botanic Gardens (shown above)

On arrival we take a map and plan where we want to go first…..then it is off to explore.

The Japanese Gardens are peaceful and I love the bonsai

There is a ‘Hide & Seek’ trail for the children and armed with your map you follow the clues and try to find and tick off the clues hidden throughout the gardens. Or just sitting for a moment to enjoy the surroundings.

Towering Alpine Trees, Palms & Rainforests, Lakes are just some of the many attractions to visit.

The Indoor Tropical Display dome is impressive

I hope you have enjoyed exploring some of the gardens in Brisbane with me. Do you enjoy gardening or exploring public gardens? Do you prefer traditional floral gardens or native gardens that are less structured? I’d love to read your thoughts….

Introducing The hosts of ‘Tell Us About’ – please take a moment to pop over and visit their blogs

• Gail from Is This Mutton? – Gail shares her spring and summer planting and tips You can read her post HERE
• Deb from Deb’s World (Australia) – Deb admits she likes gardens but isn’t much of a gardener herself – preferring to take photos instead. You can read her post HERE
• Mary Katherine from MK’s Adventures in Style (USA – MK tells us about The Hobby That Got Out of Hand…)You can read her post HERE
• Penny from Frugal Fashion Shopper (UK) – Penny loves both gardens and the physical act of gardening which she has returned to in her new abode. She takes you through a journey of how her love of gardening developed. You can read her post HERE
• Michelle from Following My Muse (USA) Michelle says: Gardening is like quilting? Absolutely! I was amazed when I realized that I plan my gardens the same way I plan my quilts. You can read her post HERE
• Suzy from The Grey Brunette (Brit living in Portugal) – Suzy isn’t keen on gardening but she misses having her own since her house was sold last year. She and her husband are currently building their dream home and are excited about planning their new garden. You can read her post HERE
• Leslie from Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After Leslie is happily joining the Tell Us About link up and sharing a look at her oasis in the far west Texas Chihuahuan Desert. You can read her post HERE
• Marsha, from Marsha In the Middle (USA) – Marsha shares This winter garden now exists in my memory and in a few photos.  But, it will always be home. You can read her post HERE
• Sue from Women Living Well After 50 (Australia) – that’s me!

Our posts go live on the third Thursday of each month at 7am UK time (that’s 4pm on the same day in Australia). There is a linky at the end of my post, which you can join, and you’re encouraged to spend some time exploring what others have written and leave a comment if you feel like it. I hope you can join us!