Children & Nature network

Corporate Survey Looks at Benefits of Outdoor Time

Miracle-Gro – April 09, 2008

While 83 percent of Americans say spending time outdoors makes them feel refreshed, healthy and excited, 61 percent admit they don't take enough advantage of the restorative powers of nature. In response to these and other results of the Miracle-Gro survey released today, the company kicks off the "It's Gro Time" campaign, which urges people to unplug and unwind by heading outside to enjoy the healthy benefits of gardening.

"Spring is the perfect time of year to get outside, get motivated and find an outdoor activity to enjoy like gardening," said William Moss, master gardener specializing in urban gardening and author of the "Moss in the City" e-newsletter for the National Gardening Association (http://www.garden.org). "Anyone can garden -- whether they have 50 acres in Colorado or an apartment with a tiny terrace in the heart of Manhattan, connecting with nature has long- lasting positive effects and provides an outlet for creative expression."

The survey also revealed:

-- While 61 percent of Americans understand the benefit of nature, an equal percent feel they don't spend enough time outdoors.

-- The leading reasons Americans didn't spend time gardening in the past year: they didn't feel they had a "green thumb" (38 percent) or didn't have enough time (36 percent).

-- Fifty-three percent of Americans feel the growing reliance on technology has led them to spend less time outdoors.

-- When surveying parents, 84 percent feel it's important for their child to spend time outdoors, however, 69 percent say their children spend less time outdoors than they did as children.

Beating Nature Deficit Disorder Through Gardening

Miracle-Gro is a strong believer in the benefits of nature. By spending less time outdoors, people are endangering their connection with nature and depriving themselves of the health benefits of being outside and being active -- a condition called "nature deficit disorder."

"April is National Garden Month(R), a program of the National Gardening Association (http://www.garden.org), which is an ideal time to put down the remote and spend some time getting to know the world around you," said Keith Baeder, senior vice president, Miracle-Gro Gardens. "Build a flower box for your apartment or create a full outdoor space for your entire family to
enjoy. The only limit is your own creativity."

Learn to Garden Wherever You Are

To celebrate "National Garden Month" and "It's Gro Time," Moss offers these beginners' tips:

-- Choose plants that suit your environment: Gardening isn't a lost cause if you have less than ideal conditions. Even houseplants enrich our lives with color and vitality, not to mention oxygen -- all of which are especially important to those of us living in artificial environments of concrete and steel. Just their presence brightens spirits. Visit your local nursery or garden center to find plants that will thrive in different conditions.

-- Space-deprived? Try a container garden: Turn small spaces like patios and balconies into beautiful retreats with colorful pots and window boxes. They're easy to plant and maintain indoors or out. When selecting containers, choose decorative pots made of ceramics, plastics, or other composites. They come in all colors and styles and retain moisture better than other materials. Remember, unless you are growing water plants, your container will need drainage holes.

-- Plant a vegetable garden: Not only will you reap the benefits of being outside while gardening, you'll eat the benefits of your gardening with fresh vegetables. You can even grow an organic garden. In an urban environment, be sure to amend the soil with organic matter, which adds nutrients, buffers against toxins, and helps improve soil conditions.

-- Garden with kids: Involving your children from start to finish -- choosing, planting, and tending the plants - will teach them an appreciation for nature and give them a sense of satisfaction and ownership. And, most importantly, get them outdoors appreciating and enjoying nature and its benefits. Find a variety of family projects at http://www.itsgrotime.com .

It's Gro Time in New York City

To encourage Americans to embrace the outdoors and create their own gardens -- big or small, Miracle-Gro will turn a well-known "garden" -- Madison Square Garden -- into an urban outdoor garden oasis on April 15. Generally a day Americans dread with the daunting tax deadline, urban dwellers will have the chance to spend the day in an unexpected garden building flower boxes, which will remain intact for the entire day and will then be donated throughout the city. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will include tips from master gardeners William Moss and Rebecca Kolls. Miracle-Gro(R) Watering Can Singles(TM) plant food and recipe cards with easy-to-follow gardening tips will be available.

About Miracle-Gro's Nature Nurture Survey

The survey was conducted online by StrategyOne between February 15 and February 20, 2008. The survey consisted of 1,000 completes with adults 18 years of age or older in the contiguous U.S. The sample consisted of individuals selected from an online consumer opinion panel, and was balanced to be representative of the general population based upon region,
gender, age and household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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