Gardening in Sydney: Effects of Nature on Mental Health and Well-Being

Some people have a knack for gardening, while others don’t (or perhaps they just can’t spare the time). Now, some find gardening in Sydney home a relaxing hobby, while others find it incredibly stressful. Whatever your preference is, the main point is that gardens and other green spaces are great at helping people reduce stress. It’s okay to let others do the work.

If you think back, there have been gardens since time immemorial. Starting with the Garden of Eden, moving on to palace gardens, public parks, estates with their respective parks, and the common man’s (or woman’s) garden at home. Why did they start or maintain gardens? Gardens have a calming effect on people, and psychologists studying nature’s effects on mental health and well-being are confirming it.

There have been several studies confirming the positive effects on nature on the human psyche. For example, a study done by Deakin University in 2009 on the effects of environment on people’s wellbeing showed that we’re affected by its quality and accessibility. A Dutch study (Maas et. Al, 2009) concluded that if we live within one kilometre of green spaces, we’re less likely to contract certain diseases. While yet another study, this one Canadian (OCampo et. al, 2009), found that neighbourhood green space is important for good mental health.

Edward O. Wilson hypothesised in 1984 that we humans feel good in green spaces because we’re primed for survival. Nature, with its fields, trees, rivers and streams, has helped us survive, so we feel better in green spaces than by looking at bleak, concrete structures or by walking in or through them.

There are many benefits to gardening when it comes to property value, the environment, children’s health, and wellbeing. You can take care of both mental and physical health by walking, or spending time in other ways in a well-maintained garden, park, botanic garden, etc.

In the same vein, there are many benefits to gardening, especially in urban areas such as Sydney. Access to nature results in improved sleep, less stress and anxiety, reduced depression and mood disorder. Doctors have even prescribed activities in nature to treat heart disease, stress (yes, they’re related), diabetes, and certain mental health conditions. Studies have found that our being nature leads to us being more happy, with improved memory and thinking skills, being more attentive, and being more creative.

It’s time-consuming, and although good to do on your own, people often don’t have the time to indulge in it. Rather than kill all the plant life and trees while you’re trying to find time to tend to your garden, it’s better to have someone come by at a set time and make it thrive.

Residential, commercial, and strata lawns and gardens all require a similar amount of care, but what the gardens include in them may be different. For example, unless it’s a botanic garden, you might not expect the same level of variety and creativity in a strata complex’s or office building’s green space.

There may be more of a focus on maintenance instead of creativity, and more greenery in commercial spaces than flowers. On the other hand, strata complexes, businesses, and botanic gardens may all trump a typical Sydney-sider’s garden or backyard in terms of landscaping.

Sydney is home to a wide variety of landscaping and gardening companies that offer a range of services for residences, businesses, and strata complexes. For those looking to add some green space to their property, landscaping companies can provide advice on plant selection, soil preparation, and irrigation.

They can also install pathways, patios, decks, and other features. Gardening companies, on the other hand, focus on providing maintenance services such as lawn mowing, weed control, pruning, and fertilising. They can also help with garden design and planting.

Can you grow fruits and vegetables in Sydney (in a garden)? Is it allowed?

Yes, you’re allowed to grow both fruits and vegetables, whether it’s in your front garden or backyard. However, it’s uncommon for those specialising in landscape gardening in Sydney, or gardening in general, to work with such gardens.

If you’re using a Sydney gardening service (that’s us), the choices are endless as to what you can do with your garden. You can consult with us on what is best to grow during a particular season (plants, flowers, trees, etc.), what would grow best in your backyard, where to create a seating area in your garden, and whether it’s advisable to put up a water fountain or a tiny pond in your garden, etc.

What type of landscaping and gardening services are available?

Whether it’s a one-off service or something on a weekly basis, you have a sense of peace that what your garden is receiving the attention it needs to remain healthy and thrive. The residential and commercial customers can usually expect and choose from the following list of services if not more:

At Sydney Garden Maintenance and Landscaping, we offer both gardening and landscaping services to all our customers: residential, commercial, and body corporate. Whether you want us to construct a sculpture, add water features to create a further sense of calm in your green space, we’d be glad to help. Whatever type of service you’re looking for, we can achieve your goals. We aim to add value to every property we work on. For residential, commercial, or strata gardening services, or more, call Sydney Garden Maintenance and Landscaping on 02 9417 0014 to book a consultation, or fill out a form on our website and we’ll get back to you.