Kat Von D’s ‘Black Garden’ is Equal Parts Creepy and Totally Awesome
Kat Von D can now add “goth gardener” to the list of her many titles. The makeup maven/tattoo queen/animal activist has been showing off her gorgeous garden on her Instagram feed, and in true Von D fashion, the flowers and foliage are all totally black.
From black dahlias to black sunflowers, the results are stunning, proving that Von D definitely has, what she calls, a “black thumb.”
It’s obvious that Von D finds her garden as magical as her followers do, and there’s a reason for that. Gardens are known for being peaceful and restorative places, and planting and pruning are some of life’s simplest pleasures. If you’re interested in rolling up your sleeves to prepare your own mystical oasis, here are other reasons why gardening is so healing.
It’s Restorative
Studies have found that nature is inherently healing for humans, regardless of age or where you grew up. A study by the University of Minnesota found that more than two-thirds of people choose a natural setting to retreat to when feeling stressed. In another study, 95% of those interviewed said that whether they were feeling sad or anxious, their mood instantly improved after spending time outside.
It’s a Healthy Distraction
Because humans find the outdoors naturally captivating, we are basically genetically programmed to be distracted by them, which helps elevate our mood and divert our attention from whatever is bothering us. Another bonus? We don’t have to make as much of an effort to focus when presented with a beautiful flower, for example, than our iPhones or computer screens. Which explains why being in nature reduces mental fatigue and refreshes the mind.
It’s a Good Form of Exercise
According to a study done by the University of Virginia, gardening equates to a moderate to strenuous exercise akin to walking and cycling. Depending on which gardening task you’re tackling for the day, you’re likely to work all the major muscle groups including legs, arms, and abs, which help burn calories and build strength. Of course, like any exercise, the length of time matters, too. At least thirty minutes of gardening will suffice as a proper daily workout, as well as help to improve flexibility, strengthen joints, and decrease blood pressure.
It Gives You a Sense of Accomplishment
Tending to a flower or plant, and watching it grow and blossom from a tiny seed, is an opportunity to literally see the fruits of your labor. Gardening is a fantastic way to see tangible results of your time and hard work paying off. You can also feel good that you are adding more beauty in the world — just like Von D!
So if you’re ready to get your hands dirty and start a garden of your own, you can be sure that you’ll experience lots of natural beauty, in addition to a big dose of personal growth (no pun intended).
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