The passion for gardening could lead to our ultimate demise
In a serendipitous turn of events, James Alexander-Sinclair, a renowned garden designer, journalist, author, speaker, podcaster, Fellow of the Society of Garden & Landscape Designers, RHS Vice President, Gardens Judge, and Ambassador for Garden Design, found himself drawn to the world of horticulture later in life. For the first 25 years of his life, gardening held little interest for him.
His initial foray into gardening was marked by a small concrete yard hemmed in by brick, wooden, and corrugated iron walls. The only sensible thing he could do with his yard was to grow things in it, but he was unsure of what or how. Seeking guidance, he turned to his mother for advice, and his perspective on gardening began to change.
As people age, gardening often becomes an important and meaningful part of life. It offers physical exercise, social engagement, mental stimulation, and nutritional benefits that support healthy aging. Activities like digging and soil preparation help maintain strength and mobility, while planning and problem-solving exercises stimulate the brain, reducing stress and boosting mood.
Community gardens, senior gardening clubs, and local extension services provide a wealth of resources for beginners interested in learning about gardening. Many senior living communities and local neighborhoods offer community gardens where beginners can participate, receive informal guidance, and connect with experienced gardeners. Senior gardening clubs and organizations often provide workshops, classes, and social events tailored to older adults starting or continuing their gardening journey.
Online resources, books, magazines, and blogs offer practical advice for addressing physical limitations and maximizing enjoyment. Local agricultural extension offices often provide free or low-cost gardening classes and tailored advice for beginners. Florist Florence Kennedy, aged 38, is a prime example of someone who started growing flowers to supplement her bouquets with varieties she saw on social media but could not find in flower markets.
Gardening is a rewarding lifelong hobby for many older individuals, offering multifarious benefits for an individual's health and nature. It is universally acknowledged that a British person in possession of an outdoor space tends to desire a garden, and these can take various forms, such as being unkempt, immaculate, chaotic, edible, or consisting of fish ponds, forests, or pots.
Gardening is supposed to be fun, and one should enjoy the triumphs and shrug off the hiccups. Almost every gardener is friendly and willing to share their knowledge. Local allotment collectives and garden clubs exist in towns and villages across the country, offering talks, shows, and garden visits with like-minded people.
The purpose of a garden is to make the people and creatures who occupy the space happy. For James Alexander-Sinclair, his garden has been a source of joy, inspiration, and a testament to the transformative power of gardening. His work can be found at jamesalexandersinclair.com.
References:
[1] National Gardening Association. (2021). Why Seniors are Gardening More. Retrieved from https://www.garden.org/blog/why-seniors-are-gardening-more/
[2] American Heart Association. (2019). Gardening and Heart Health. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/gardening-and-heart-health
[3] AARP. (2020). The Benefits of Gardening for Seniors. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2019/benefits-of-gardening-for-seniors.html
[4] Alzheimer's Society. (2018). The Benefits of Gardening for People with Dementia. Retrieved from https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/news/2018-07-10/benefits-gardening-people-dementia
[5] Royal Horticultural Society. (2021). Gardening for Seniors. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile-pages/gardening-for-seniors
- Embracing his newfound passion for horticulture, James Alexander-Sinclair began delving into the world of garden design, seeking inspiration for his personal garden and discovering a new aspect of his lifestyle that would intertwine with his career as a garden designer.
- As gardening offers numerous benefits for meeting the needs of older adults, those interested in home-and-garden pursuits might consider joining a community garden or senior gardening club, where they can learn, share experiences, and find synergy between their gardening endeavors and a rewarding lifestyle.
