In the Garden: Experience the many benefits of spending time in nature

Take a break in nature from the stresses of everyday life and the hectic holiday season. Research has found spending time in nature, conservatories, botanical gardens and other green spaces can have a positive impact on mental and physical health.

Work, school and other aspects of daily life may have you suffering from a bit of mental fatigue. Surrounding yourself with plants and spending time in green spaces can serve as a distraction and help reduce this fatigue. Being immersed in nature elevates your mood and helps reduce the risk of developing and experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Scientists also found a strong correlation between green space and illnesses in a community. The more green space that’s available, the lower the level of disease in a community.

Spending time in gardens and nature is also good for the youngsters in our lives. It helps them develop social, emotional and cognitive skills. “Green Time” can also reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in children and can act as an effective supplement to traditional medicinal and behavioral treatments.

Finding access to nature can be challenging in some locations and at certain times of the year when harsh weather tends to keep us indoors. Parks, botanical gardens and conservatories help improve access to nature.

Many botanical gardens and parks host year-round events encouraging everyone to get outside, move and enjoy nature. You will find yoga classes, walking groups, gardening classes and nature walks offered at many of these public green spaces. Encourage youngsters in your life to join you in nature and participate in youth-focused activities.

Conservatories provide year-round access no matter the weather. Collections of plants are housed under glass, providing opportunities to immerse yourself in greenery.

The Mitchell Park Domes is a great example of providing the public with green space. In its original charter Milwaukee County stated: "Let us provide for the public the ultimate in experiencing nature in the city. Plant life of many kinds must be sustained throughout all seasons…” The Conservatory continues inspiring people through plants with its permanent collection of over 1,800 plant species from around the globe. These are housed in three domes, featuring desert, tropical and temperate zone plants. Visitors not only can immerse themselves in greenery but can experience the climate and vegetation of various locations around the world. This along with the changing displays in the floral dome encourages year-round visits.

Take time now and all year to experience the benefits of green space. Add a few indoor plants to your home. You will enjoy the added greenery while elevating your mood. Walk in a nearby park or botanical garden and if you are near a conservatory, make this a routine part of your schedule.

Make it easy and affordable to visit botanical gardens and conservatories in your community and around the country. Consider becoming a member. You’ll help support their mission and are likely to visit more often and take advantage of all they have to offer.

No matter where you live, becoming a member of the Milwaukee Domes Alliance, provides free access to over 360 other botanical gardens and conservatories across the country, including the Mitchell Park Domes. It’s a great way to save money as you explore other gardens and conservatories across the country.

Take a break today and enjoy the many benefits that connecting with nature provides. Once refreshed, you will be better able to tackle the daily demands and handle the stresses of everyday life.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine, and her website is MelindaMyers.com, which features gardening videos, free webinars, monthly gardening tips, and more.