Growing in health

Besides adding color and sustenance to Minnesota’s growing season, gardening goes a long way towards promoting good health.

“There’s a lot of research showing that being in nature is really good for us,” said Emily Stark, a psychology professor at Minnesota State University.

“It can lower anxiety and stress in measurable ways and improve our immune systems. With gardening specifically, you get all the benefits of nature, plus you add on the idea of caring for something else.”

The benefits of seeing that what you do matters — whether that’s dead-heading flowers to encourage new blossoms, watering plants and witnessing them produce food or blooms — are myriad.

“That’s a cool piece beyond what you gain from, say, a hike in the woods,” said Stark. “But it’s less stressful, and less anxiety-ridden, than caring for a pet or another human.”

Even without maintaining a large garden plot, something small — like a few plants on a patio or windowsill — can allow one to realize similar benefits, Stark asserts.

“Watering is a simple but important task that doesn’t require a whole bunch of mental attention, but you can still feel good about it and see the difference it makes,” said Stark.

Yet those who relish tending expansive gardens have additional gains.

“The light physical activity from planting, pulling weeds, getting up and down from the ground, is healthy, although a lot of times gardeners think, ‘I’m not working that hard, I’m just gardening,’” Stark said, noting that gardening often improves people’s moods and lowers stress levels because “you’re focused for the moment on what’s in front of you rather than on the things you were anxious about — and anything that gets us out of our own brains is good.”

What if you’re worried about “killing” plants or aren’t a natural green thumb?

“If you’re not the best gardener in the world, maybe try getting involved with a community garden so the responsibility doesn’t fall solely on you,” said Stark. And gardening feels great because it touches each of our five senses — sight, smell, touch, taste (with edible plants) and sound.

“Gardening really engages all of our senses,” said Stark. “If you’re outside listening to birds, insects and the wind, those natural sounds can be really soothing.

“Often we turn to similar sounds, like rain, to help us fall asleep.”

Personally, Stark enjoys perennials due to their lower maintenance profile.

“But I always have a few annual flowers because I like picking them out and potting them,” she said.

“And watering them — even if that’s every day in July — is such a peaceful task, something you can check off your list before moving on to the next thing.”

Start small, think big

With seasoned gardeners like these, anything seems possible. Their optimism — plop in some seeds and trust that green sprouts will emerge — is contagious.

But if you’re an emerging gardener, don’t expect a yard full of lavish blooms or a bounty of vegetables on the first go-around. Patience, along with trial-and-error, is key.

“Start small or you will be overwhelmed,” Wright said. “If you start too big, thinking you can plant it and forget it, you may be disappointed because things will get out of hand and you’ll conclude you’re a ‘brown thumb.’”

Instead, Wright suggests trying some container gardening, using vegetable and flower varieties that are right-sized for patios or balconies.

“And get your plants at a nursery where knowledgeable employees can help you choose the right plant for the right place,” Wright said.

Doing so will contribute to a first-timer’s success rate and likely result in less wasted money.

And don’t overlook free resources right under your nose.

“Contact the Extension Service for a wealth of information regarding any type of gardening — and it’s free,” Wright said. “They can connect you with a Master Gardener who will provide education and advice.”

The University of Minnesota’s Extension Service can even conduct a soil test to help you ascertain what nutrients your plot needs for maximum success.

Keeping unnecessary chemicals out of your garden and off your lawn is healthier for everyone, these gardeners agree.

“Extra chemicals end up polluting our waters, and planting native plants is another good way to eliminate the need for chemicals,” Wright said.

“The native plants are meant to grow in our environment and do well without any added inputs.”

Fan favorites

Dunham is fond of peonies — she formerly had over 40 varieties, though she now fosters “only” 25 — partly because she remembers helping one of her grandmas water them years ago.

“I like them all — the bomb style, the Japanese, the Sarah Bernhardt — because they offer a great mix, they bloom early and there’s always something blooming.”

She now has about 40 varieties of iris and tends to grow beefriendly flowers such as salvia, lilies, echinacea and Russian sage.

As vice president of the Minnesota River Valley Master Gardeners and an active member of the Minnesota and North American Hosta Societies, plus the North Star and North American Lily Societies, Wright can’t say no to lilies or hostas.

“Hostas are my favorite,” said Wright, mentioning that one of her hosta gardens will be on the Minnesota Hosta Society’s June 24 tour.

“I also love hydrangeas, Lilium, hardy roses, tulips, daffodils and so many more.”

A continual process of trial and error, along with an ever-increasing concern for safe environmental practices, has led Lamson to cultivate red currant, daffodils, flowering shrubs, forget-menots and a pussy willow, among other earth-friendly choices.

“The pollinators just love the pussy willow,” Lamson said. “Little by little, by observing nature and noticing what was surviving and thriving, I’ve kept changing things.”

Besides displaying the common traits of patience, a strong work ethic, environmental awareness and keen observational skills, Lamson, Wright and Dunham all share an utter devotion to gardening.

“I love gardening,” Dunham said. “I can’t wait to get out and do stuff.”

Said Wright, “I can’t imagine life without a garden. I grew up on a big dairy farm, and my 4-H projects included all kinds of gardening and landscaping, so this has been part of my life forever.

“Gardening is my happy place,” she continued. “There’s something amazing about being among the plants, feeling a gentle breeze while I work and watching the pollinators and other miracles of nature.”

Summarized Lamson, “I’ve planted my garden so it reminds me of a symphony, with its highs and lows and birds singing in the background.

“I love inviting people to see it, not because it’s grown to be shown but because it’s what I love to do.”

For more information about Master Gardener training or services, contact the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Office, Mankato, at 507-3896714 or email rcmankato@umn.edu. MM

LET'S EAT!

By Dana Melius