Every home should be a haven as it’s where you and your family eat, sleep and bond. However, many homeowners underestimate the importance of a garden and what it offers their family.
Sure, gardens mean you get to enjoy more time outside, but outdoor spaces offer plenty of benefits. So, if you’re wondering whether it’s worth spending a little bit more on a property with a garden, we have everything you need to know.
Here are the many benefits of having a family garden.
Less Time Indoors
According to the BBC, children spend an average of 6.5 hours a day in front of a screen, double the time in 1995. Streaming services, mobile devices and games consoles are all reasons for this, and it’s essential to encourage young people to spend more time outdoors.
A garden might encourage older children to be outdoors more, and if you’re a parent, you’ll know that young children are always full of energy. It’s challenging to find activities to tire them out so that they’re ready for bedtime, but spending time in the garden is the perfect solution.
Your kids can run around and explore while you get much-needed fresh air. Not only will this physically wear them out, but it will also stimulate their minds as they learn about nature.
Improved Mental Health
In today’s society, it’s more important than ever to take care of your mental health, as young people are suffering from depression and anxiety more than ever (Wiley Online Library). Our access to the internet and social media means we never really turn off, and the world can seem like a dark place.
While we’re not saying that spending time in your garden can completely cure you, psychologists state that a few hours of gardening can give your brain a much-needed boost.
Being outside takes you away from the stresses of daily life, and feeling the wind on your face can help you to feel alive.
Even if you don’t have much space to work with at ground level, many apartment owners turn their roofs into a garden. If you’re looking for inspiration for roof gardens, London design company Floral & Hardy can turn your
Better Sleep
If you’re finding it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, then spending more time outside during the day can help. According to Harvard Health, natural light helps to regulate our internal clocks and makes us feel more awake during the day.
When night time comes around, people are likely to feel sleepy and get a better night of rest.
Of course, this only works if you’re getting enough sunlight, which is why having a garden is so beneficial. You can spend a few hours daily relaxing in your outdoor space and soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D.
A Boosted Immune System
There are plenty of germs indoors, especially if you have young children always picking something up from school. However, did you know that exposure to germs can help boost your immune system?
According to the National Institute of Health, spending time outside can help your body to fight off infections and diseases. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your family healthy, having a garden is a great solution.
Your kids can play outside without worrying about them getting sick, and you can enjoy some fresh air without fear of picking up anything indoors.
Healthier Diet
If you have a family garden, you’re more likely to eat healthier as you’ll have access to fresh fruit and vegetables. Shop-bought produce can be expensive and often covered in chemicals that aren’t good for your body.
When you grow your own food, you know exactly what has gone into it and can be sure that it’s healthy for your family. Not only is this better for your physical health, but it can also save you money in the long run.
You don’t need much space to grow fruit and vegetables, so even if you have a small garden, there’s no excuse not to get started. Tomatoes, strawberries and potatoes are easy to grow at home, and it’s a great way to get the kids involved.
A Space To Entertain
Having a garden is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a way to entertain your family and friends. You can host BBQs, parties and other events in your outdoor space; everyone will love spending time in the fresh air.
Not only is this great for socialising, but it’s also a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime. So many people struggle to find time to bond with their friends now, but a barbecue will always be the perfect solution for families to come together and share great food.
Teach The Kids A New Hobby
If you’re looking for a way to keep the kids entertained, why not teach them how to garden? It’s an excellent way for them to learn about nature and where their food comes from, and they’ll love being outside in the fresh air.
You can give them their little patch of land to look after, and they’ll be so proud when they see their plants growing. Gardening is also a great way to teach children about responsibility, as they’ll need to water their plants and ensure they get enough sunlight.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to having a family garden, including better health and a more active lifestyle. With technology continuing to grow, children will likely continue to spend less time outside, but buying a house with a garden is a great way to ensure your family has fresh air.
Better still, you can do plenty of things with a small space, and rooftop gardens are a fantastic solution for apartment owners.
Now all you need to do is plan your garden and decide which features you’d like to incorporate. The team at Floral & Hardy is always available if you’d like some support, so please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.
