With the sun shining and the snow melting, is anyone else’s garden looking a little forlorn? Time to freshen up those bulbs and turn that soil! Gardening provides so many benefits to our minds and bodies, and is such as easy thing to do. With some good weather, a pair of gardening gloves, and a few tools, you’re an afternoon away from completely revitalizing (or starting!) your garden.

Gardening is a relaxing activity, done methodically and with great care. The time spent outside can improve our overall mood as well as expose us to much-needed Vitamin D after the winter. It also sneakily gets in a subtle workout. Gardening has us squatting to pull weeds, twisting to move plants around, and lifting heavy bags of mulch or soil. All of these moves will slowly help build strength and endurance.

The rewards? Besides the beautiful flowers and tasty herbs and veggies, you’ll get the satisfaction of growing something from a seed and watching it bloom. You’ll get the relaxing, repetitive motions of tending to your plants, and the brain-boosting benefits of outdoor activity. You could gain a new group of friends, too. Taking up gardening means you’ll need to visit your local nursery to get supplies, introducing you to a whole new world of people who share in the hobby. You’ll also have a new supply of fresh flowers to put in your home or to gives as housewarming gifts, and the blooms will improve your home’s curb appeal.

Plus, it’s good for the environment! Plants put oxygen back into the air, freshening our very yards. You might also help out your local bee and bird population. Bumblebees and hummingbirds are attracted to specific plants and they can help pollinate and spread those flowers to all parts of the town.

* For those who weren’t born with a green thumb, succulents are an easy way to dip your toes into the gardening world!