The Three Hairs – Páraig – Grow Write Repeat

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Gardening is not only about cultivating plants and beautifying outdoor spaces; it also has incredible benefits for our mental health. Here are some ways gardening can positively impact our well-being:

1️⃣ Stress relief: Spending time tending to plants and being surrounded by nature can help reduce stress levels. The peacefulness and tranquility of the garden can provide a sense of calm and relaxation.

2️⃣ Connection with nature: Gardening allows us to reconnect with the natural world, which can improve our overall mood and increase feelings of happiness. Being outdoors among plants and wildlife can bring a sense of harmony and connectedness.

3️⃣ Physical activity: Gardening involves physical activity, such as digging, planting, and weeding, which can help improve overall fitness. Regular exercise releases endorphins and promotes a positive mental state.

4️⃣ Sense of accomplishment: Seeing the growth and progress of our plants can give us a sense of achievement, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Gardening provides an opportunity to nurture and care for living things, which can be immensely rewarding.

5️⃣ Mindfulness and relaxation: Engaging in gardening activities requires focus and attention to detail. This mindful presence helps distract from everyday worries and promotes relaxation. The repetitive tasks of gardening, such as watering or pruning, can induce a meditative state.

6️⃣ Mental stimulation: Gardening stimulates our cognitive abilities by requiring planning, problem-solving, and learning about different plants. It can provide a sense of purpose and mental stimulation, enhancing brain function and memory.

7️⃣ Social interaction: Joining a gardening club or participating in community gardens offers opportunities for social interaction and connection. Sharing gardening experiences with others can foster a sense of belonging and create a supportive network.

Remember, cultivating plants is not only beneficial for our outdoor spaces but also for our mental well-being. So grab your gardening tools and start reaping the mental health benefits today! 🌸🌱🌼

Not to be confused with gardening at night, this is merely a photographic glimpse taken by night. I’d been keeping an eye on Jupiter to the south during the week and tracking the International Space Station. The nights have been cold and the sky clear. Venus is visible just before dawn. Yes, you’ve guessed that I’m a night owl.

In any event, ar aon nós, I noticed that the light of the kitchen and conservatory shone just enough light to allow me to attempt a few shots of nearby plants and planets.

At the risk of knowing I may be ~~mis~~quoted, here’s my tuppence worth:

The garden is a sanctuary. For some it’s walking barefoot; for others it’s growing food. We bring gardening into our hearts differently. I’m appreciating it after sunset.
Páraig: The Three Hairs Garden

Here are a few bobs & bits from another frosty week here on the SE Irish coast. Frosty until Wednesday, followed by a temperature rise and deluges of rain. Thanks to Jim at Garden Ruminations, for hosting Six on Saturday. Rules is here.

Venus

Taken at dawn facing south, Venus is the star of the sky. Actually, it’s a planet, not a star. I’ve just confused myself. Venus is the second planet from the sun. Here, it shines through the almost-bare Crabapple tree.

Just below it and to the right is Spica, one of the twenty brightest stars in the Northern sky. You may not be able to see it, but it’s there, just 250 million light years away. It may be eclipsed by a tiny apple.

Moon

Taken last week, just after the Full Moon. In the foreground is a tall bamboo. It will crack the pot shortly, I’m informed. It grows beneath a large Acer and does a decent job of filling the empty space, caused by me not pruning it for many years. The bamboo needs to have a saucer underneath from early spring until Halloween, otherwise it would not retain enough water. In winter, when the Acer is bare, the bamboo comes into its own.

Cordyline

Taken at 11.30pm, this is one of several Cordylines, surrounded by pots of common ivy. I have topped up the large pot with a two-centimetre layer of coffee grounds. Next week I intend planting three or four polyanthus here. Watch this empty space.

Lomandra

I love the algae on the terracotta pot, in which the annual Begonias are still alive. On the left is Lomandra longifolia, and Lysmachia flowing over the edge.

Carex

Slightly out of focus, the Carex buchannii (Firefox or perhaps Red Rooster) is beneath the bamboo. It seems content there. Also, despite several frosty nights, the nasturtium is hanging in there. I am fortunate to have a sheltered garden.

Vacant Chair

I don’t know why this seat is where it is. I haven’t sat on it yet this year, as it is overshadowed by the Fuchsia. Access from the front is restricted too. I do like looking at it as I pass by, and I do think night photography does it justice.

Pop over to Jim’s Site to discover more Six-on-Saturday updates. Until next time, I hope you get to enjoy some time in the garden.

Tag: The Three Hairs

7 Benefits of Gardening for Mental Health

Six-on-Saturday: The Garden by Night