Late Bloomer. Jan Coppola Bills

is a practical and beneficial way to stay healthy physically and mentally. In fact, research has found that the “friendly” Mycobacterium vaccae bacteria found in soil may affect the brain like anti-depressant drugs. Apparently the bacterium stimulates the portion of the brain that produces serotonin. Perhaps that explains the reasons for the strong sense of calmness and satisfaction we feel while gardening. I am not surprised.

      The three most important components in continuing our passion to garden in the second half of life:

       Staying healthy

       Using proper tools

       Dressing comfortably

      Tip: Do your chores that require standing first, then hit the ground. I think getting up and down constantly adds undo stress to the body. When I am kneeling on the ground, I like to stay there until I am finished.

       Staying Healthy: Garden Yoga

      You may know the saying: If I woke up in the morning and nothing hurt, I would think I was dead. We gardeners can certainly attest to that. To alleviate sore muscles, I highly recommend stretching before and after gardening. One way I remain flexible and resilient is practicing yoga while gardening. I stretch my body before, during and after to avoid injury, gain strength, and continue doing what I love. If you already practice yoga, you’ll recognize my three favorite and very simple poses: Forward Fold, Cat-Cow and Squat. If you’re new to yoga, check out these poses online. You’ll find lots of illustrations and videos.

      Listening to my body while gardening and knowing when to start and stop is important to staying healthy. Yoga also helps build strength, endurance, balance and flexibility, and it’s easy to practice while gardening. Namaste!

      Did you know? The development of yoga can be traced back to over 5,000 years ago, but some researchers think that yoga may be up to 10,000 years old. The earliest writings on yoga were transcribed on fragile palm leaves that were easily damaged, destroyed or lost. (Yoga.com)

       Tools to Make Things Easier

      A gardener’s work can be so much easier using proper tools. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money. In fact, I purchased two favorite garden tools at a local flea market several years ago for less than ten dollars. Through the years, my bargain-find steel leaf rake and pitchfork have lasted longer than the more expensive ones I have purchased. Plus, they are lighter in weight, another important factor to keep in mind when selecting tools.