A study published in Psychological Science found that green pathways, green stretch, spaces, parks and gardens in high density city areas have the power to enhance the quality of life and the well-being of those who live there. People, who live in greener environment – where trees are grown, are happier than their counterparts who stay in tree-less environments.
The rapid pace of urbanization owing to the rural–urban migration is putting lot of strain on the urban infrastructure in cities. But seeing greener patches in the concrete jungles sooth the eyes and minds both. Privacy goes for a toss in cities; but, well-placed plantings offer privacy and tranquility by keeping the noise and harsh sunlight in the afternoons and glare of vehicle headlights in evenings. Gardening in your small terrace, windows, or flowerbeds in your gallery contribute to healthy, active living both physically and emotionally. Horticulture therapists have discovered that gardening provides a form of emotional expression and release. Seeing your plants growing taller and greener gives immense happiness.
In a study done by the American Institutes for Research, a group of sixth graders attended outdoor school for six weeks, while another group did not. During the outdoor programme, students did hands-on activities like searching for aquatic insects in a stream and identifying tree species and drawing conclusions on the “health” of a forest. At the end of the programme, the students, teachers and parents were surveyed. The group that did the outdoor education rated better in self-esteem, conflict resolution, relationship with peers, problem solving, motivation to learn and behavior in class. The children who attended outdoor school also had an improved Science score, measured by a pre & post test. This study measured how ‘green’ the children’s homes were, stressful life events (such as being bullied in school, relocating to another home or fighting with one’s parents), and how well they coped with these events. Nearby nature was found to buffer the effects of stressful life events on children’s psychological distress
Doctors have shown that people recover faster in a hospital when given a landscape view, rather than seeing only the walls of adjoining buildings. If you can manage to make gardening your hobby it acts as a as the perfect antidote to the modern world; as it is a perfect way of reclaiming some of the intangible things we have lost in our busy lives.
These days, due to scarcity of place, Hydroponic gardening is becoming famous in cities. This style of gardening uses no soil; rather, plant roots are suspended in specially formulated clay pellets and bathed with liquid nutrients. This keeps roots tightly compacted, which allows you to hang dozens of growing plants in a single window. You can build your own hydroponic garden using recycled materials or purchase kits available in the market.
A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust. _ Martin Christopher
International Journal of Research (IJR) 