Kris Aquino definitely loves flowers. A quick visit to her Instagram account reveals photos of exquisite bouquets every now and then. While she does it regularly, a post on May 29 revealed her desire to be with a person who can grow a garden with her.
Well, Aquino is right. Gardening has some benefits that can help you nurture your relationships.
It keeps you and your partner happy
According to Permaculture College Australia, gardening keeps you on a dopamine high. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter related to the feeling of pleasure. Harvesting produce or flowers from your own garden increases the production of dopamine.
It’s also found that gardening keeps you in touch with a soil bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae. This bacteria, according to Farmacy, prompts the release of seratonins in the brain. Seratonin is another neurotransmitter that decreases depression and maintains memory.
It’s key to a healthy body
Aside from its mental health benefits, gardening also keeps you physically fit. Gardening is also a form of exercise. According to a study, 30 minutes of pulling weeds and removing rocks can burn 200 to 250 calories. BBC also reported that gardening is key to a longer life as it decreases the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
It gives you a sense of responsibility
Gardening is looking after and maintaining living organisms. It develops a sense of responsibility, an important component of any relationship. While a succulent dying on you is definitely not the ultimate measure of responsibility in relationship, it shows how one person can treat another being. Aside from responsibility, it’s an exercise on respect and affection.
So the next time you go on a date, don’t be afraid to ask this old-school sounding question: Can you grow a garden?
Header photo courtesy of Kris Aquino’s Facebook page
Read more:
Don’t throw those kitchen scraps just yet
Where to find a monstera deliciosa?
My plant is wilting. What should I do?
Basic tools for herb gardening
Why we need more vertical gardens
