Why You Should Invest in Your Garden
Did you know that green spaces in neighbourhoods and cities have a direct and positive impact on your health and well-being? Research shows that having green spaces like gardens, parks, and forests nearby is linked to many health benefits. They include longer life expectancies, fewer mental health issues, happier and healthier people, especially children, less air and noise pollution, and higher exercise and social interactions. Plus, more gardens and green spaces are great for the health and future of our planet—and all those we share it with.
Are you getting as much value out of your outdoor spaces as you can?
Living on Southern Vancouver Island in BC, Canada offers many natural perks. We’re surrounded by the ocean, coastlines, mountains, forests, and parks that we can visit—all just outside of our backyards. But what about your own backyards, gardens, lawns, patios, and outdoor spaces?
Why should you invest in your garden? What’s in it for you?
Top 4 reasons why you should invest in your garden
1. Boost your property value with landscaping
Did you know that by simply landscaping your garden and outdoor spaces you can increase your property value by up to 20%?! That is huge! It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but a simple, clean garden has the power to significantly increase the look, desirability, and value of both your home and your entire neighbourhood. By keeping on top of the garden’s upkeep with regular garden maintenance, it not only looks good, but it pays off too.
2. Better overall health and wellness with a garden or green space
Countless research shows that being outside in nature has a huge impact on your physical and mental health and well-being. It is relaxing and helps to reduce stress levels, lower heart rates, and increase oxygen flow and circulation. Fresh air and green, healthy plants have a calming effect on your mind, so make your garden a private calming oasis. So do Zen-like water features, which you could also consider adding to your garden design.
As any gardener will tell you, gardening is hard work! You’ll get a great workout just by pulling a few weeds or racking up fall leaves. Working in the garden means that you can get physical exercise and you get to see your hard work pay off. Plus, what tastes better than home-grown vegetables? What smells better than our own fresh-cut flowers? Growing your own seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs is also a delicious way to eat healthily.
3. Good for the planet and those we share it with
Planting a tree is one of our biggest allies in combating climate change. They take in CO2 and give back oxygen—how cool is that?! The same goes for so many plants. Plus, using native plant species in your garden that are designed for your climate is more water-wise and good for the natural habitat that was here long before us. Bringing back local native plants is very important to the local ecosystem.
Beyond the actual plants in your garden and green spaces, think about the birds and the bees! Using plants that provide year-round habitat and food sources for pollinators, like winter flowering plants or winterberries, is helpful for all those we share our yards with. Having habitats in residential gardens means that birds, animals, and insects have more options and healthy populations to help our planet now and in the future.
4. Gardens and outdoor living spaces are great places to entertain and relax
When your lawn, garden, patio, and outdoor spaces are well-designed, they can be used as an extension of your home for entertainment space. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ with friends and family, creating a space for kids to play, or relaxing and enjoying the outdoors, you can—and should—make the most of your garden space. If you build it, you will come (and enjoy it often).
At Costa Verde gardening and landscaping in Victoria, BC, Canada, we take great pride in helping you design, build, and maintain your ideal outdoor spaces. It’s time to invest in your garden. If not for you, your property value, and your health, happiness, and wellness, then for the planet and your neighbours (big and small).