Jane Hidalgo has 40 flower pots on her apartment balcony / Photo: CHAT News Today

By Meghan Cobb

‘I’m happy because I’m planting’: How one woman uses gardening to improve her mood

Jul 17, 2022 | 9:51 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Jane Hidalgo may live in an apartment, but that doesn’t get in the the way of her love for gardening.

Hidalgo has approximately 40 flower pots on her balcony that she tends to every day. Caring for the plants gives her a sense of purpose and makes her feel a connection to her parents.

“I was inspired by my mom and dad,” explained Hidalgo. “Sadly, we lost our dad in 2019. He was really good with building gardens and enjoyed being out in the yard.”

“My mom and dad gardening together beings back really, really good memories,” Hidalgo added.

Hidalgo also uses gardening as a way to help with her mental health. In 2018, she moved to Medicine Hat with her son to be closer to family after raising him on her own in B.C.

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“I did go through some tough times,” said Hidalgo. “So, when we moved here it made a huge difference and made me a lot happier.”

Hidalgo describes gardening as therapeutic. She says being able to get in the garden and dig, plant and care for flowers means a lot to her.

“I find it’s healthy,” said Hidalgo. “Deadheading and watering them, it makes me really, really happy to be able to do that.”

Hidalgo says planting and caring for her garden is a cycle that keeps her balanced.

“I’m planting because I’m happy, and I’m happy because I’m planting.”

She hopes her experience will help others to see gardening as an effective outlet and is happy to share tips she has learned along the way, especially when it comes to keeping costs low.

“Dollar stores are great,” Hidalgo laughed. “You can pick up baskets there. Try to find some discounts, now is a really good time to go.”

Hidalgo adds Google is her most used resource for success. Her biggest lesson is to make sure compatible plants are potted together.

“I’ve made that mistake before,” said Hidalgo. “I’ve planted the shade plants with the full or partial sun plants, so of course the plants didn’t survive.”