The Unexpected Benefits of Gardening for Chronic Pain and Longevity
Dr. Ashu Goyle
Gardening is often seen as a peaceful hobby, but beneath the surface of this seemingly simple activity lies a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental health, especially for those managing chronic pain. In fact, recent research suggests that gardening may be a natural, low-impact therapy that not only helps reduce pain and inflammation but also promotes longevity.
Why Gardening is Good for Your Mental Health
Thrive, The Geoffrey Udall Centre
Beech Hill, Reading, UK
Gardens are special spaces. They can improve our wellbeing in many ways, helping us feel calm or giving a sense of purpose.
This site provides links to research, videos, and testimonials about Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.
Gardening With Chronic Back Pain-10 Tips + Bonus To Make Gardening With Chronic Pain Much Easier
The Adhd Gardener
This Youtube video provides useful, common sense tips for people with chronic pain – these tips are great for aging bodies as well.
Piet Ouldoff
A renowned Dutch garden and landscape designer Piet Ouldoff designs private and public garden spaces. His designs and plant compositions use bold drifts of herbaceous perennials and grasses.
- How The Piet Oudolf Naturalistic Planting Style Has Changed Over the Years – Rosy Hardy Gardening – Youtube Video
- Wild By Design Since 2009 – All about New York City’s High Line – Website
- 10 Garden Ideas to Steal from Superstar Dutch Designer Piet Ouldoff – Gardenista – Website
Gardening on Long Island
USDA hardiness zones of 7a or 7b and the typical last frost date is around April 20th. You can plant a wide variety of vegetables and flowers, but it is best to wait until around May 15th to plant heat-sensitive crops to avoid frost damage.
- Creating a Native Plant Garden – Long Island Native Plant Initiative – Website
- Long Island Natives – A guide to regional flora – Website
Gardening for Birds
Project Feeder Watch, Cornell Lab
- Squirrels in the Garden – LuEsther T. Mertz Library Plant & Research Guides – Website
- Identify the 32 Bird Species that Visit Backyard Feeders in the State of New York – Avian Report – Website
- Which Bird Feeder Works BEST? A Complete Guide to Bird Feeders – Bright-Eyed Birding Learn – YouTube Video
- Project Feeder Watch – You choose the location, when to count, and how much time to observe. – Cornell Lab – Website
Garden Design
Ideas to help you create the place you love.
- Pinehouse Edible Gardens – productive edible landscapes that provide bountiful harvests of organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and cutting flowers – Website
- Garden Design Ideas and Inspiration by Morovia – Website
- Using the 70/30 Planting Rule – Dave’s Garden – Website
- Plan Your Garden by Planting in Threes – NatureHills.com – Website