Master Gardener Marv Thomlinson teaches a class about local insects and also answers visitors’ questions at Rock City.TO PARTICIPATEWhat: UT/TSU Extension Office of Hamilton County Master Gardener programWhen: 6-9 p.m. Jan. 7 & 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 8; each class is limited to 30 students.Cost: $160, which includes textbook and handout materials.Information: Call the UT Extension Office at 855-6113 or go to www.mghc.org.Garden ExpoThe first “Master Your Garden” Garden Expo will be held at Camp Jordan Arena on April 20-21. Go to www.mghc.org for more information.
Gardening is good for you.
Not only do you reap the rewards by growing tasty vegetables or beautiful flowers, gardening is good for your health.
In a study conducted in Norway, people who were diagnosed with depression, persistent low mood or bipolar disorder spent six hours a week growing flowers and vegetables, according to a report on CNN. Three months into gardening, half the participants not only experienced a measurable improvement in their depression symptoms, their mood continued to be better three months after the gardening program ended, the report states.
And gardening offers other benefits that are good for everyone, not just you, says Tom Stebbins, UT/TSU extension agent for Hamilton County.