Originally posted on March 18, 2020 at Good Earth Plants, used with permission and updated on March 20, 2020

Has it only been a week since my last blog post (Let’s Clear the Air)? Since then, schools, stores, restaurants, bars, gyms, and many workplaces have closed down to try and stop the coronavirus pandemic from spreading.

Along with much of the planet now, California residents like me and many other Americans are being asked to shelter in place. We are asked to stay at home except to “provide or receive essential services or engage in certain essential activities and work for essential business or government services.”

Sheltering in place where there is plenty to see in my own backyard. Photo: Jim Mumford

For those few clients that allow us, we consider their plants as assets worth protecting and we are watering them. You can pick up groceries and prescriptions, take your dog to the vet, or put your trash out for collection.

Nature is still open

And – you can enjoy outdoor exercise, as long as you comply with social distancing. I see this as an absolute must.

The South American Clivia plant in my yard is in full bloom! Photo: Jim Mumford

Enjoying a little bit of nature could keep us physically and emotionally healthy enough to get through this current crisis. As we stay separated from our regular activities and each other, we need something to lower our anxieties. You can count on nature in these difficult days. Plus, there are studies that show sunlight and fresh air help us heal much faster.

We’ve been writing about this for many years, and it’s never been more important than today. Scientific research has proven over and over that being outside in nature, or even just having a view of nature, helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve our cardiovascular health. A 2019 study found spending just two hours in nature each week was significantly more likely to produce good overall health and high psychological wellbeing, and it held true no matter your gender, age, or income.

A wall of Blue Agaves (century plants) and prickly pear in the canyon next to my house. The fallen ‘trees’ are 30-foot tall agave bloom spikes, which eventually fall off. Photo: Jim Mumford

A National Academy of Sciences study showed people who walked for 90 minutes in nature (including parks) weekly have fewer negative thoughts and healthier brain activity than people who walked through urban environments. Wouldn’t you like to get rid of some negative thoughts right now?

Getting outside for a walk is one of the few things we can all do right now and still comply with social distancing. All we have to do is give each other a little more passing room on sidewalks, at parks, and on trails. Wave and keep moving, and you’ll feel a little more connected without risk.

California manroot or bigroot is the most common of the manroot species native to California. The spiky ball is the fruit. The fruit swells and turns yellow as it ripens until it finally ruptures and releases large seeds. As kids we used these as bombs!

Follow these few Dos and Don’ts to stay safe and keep others safe:

DO:

Get outside for sunshine and fresh air

Stay close to home

Find another place if your first choice is too crowded

Maintain six feet of distance from other people

Pack any trash out with you

Check the CDC and your state or county health department for latest restrictions

Beautiful bougainvillea, cosmos, lantana, and aloe blooms can give you a fresh perspective. Photo: Jim Mumford

DON’T

Sit inside in front of a screen all day

Travel outside your immediate area

Meet in groups

Go to visitor centers or facilities

Use public restrooms

Assume what you heard yesterday is still true today

Enjoy San Diego’s open spaces (or wherever you live) close to you. This canyon view from my backyard offers a lot to enjoy. Photo: Jim Mumford

If you are home with your family, get out and get some fresh air. Most people live close enough to a little open space. It can be a simple neighborhood park, a nice landscaped street, trails around our lakes, or even your own backyard.

Enjoy an accessible green roof with social distancing

The ultimate resource is the one we’ve been supporting for many years: an accessible green roof. It might be tops in social distancing. Enjoying a bigger view of the world after having to limit your contact puts our ultimate goal in perspective: a healthier country, and also a healthier planet.

The Good Earth Plants Office Green Roof in October 2019. Photo Jim Mumford

Take time to look, listen, and observe. Spring is here in the northern hemisphere! Plants are beginning to grow and bloom. Pollinators and birds are in the air. The buzzing and the birds singing will be the best music you will hear all day.

If you’re working at home, get outside for a lunch break. Even if it’s your porch or a chair in the backyard or a balcony or on the driveway. Any view of Nature will do. It will do you good, even if it’s not the Austrian Alps.

Kids visiting our Office Green Roof before the COVID-19 outbreak. But you can experience and immerse with nature safely while practicing social distancing on an accessible green roof!

Need a walking partner? Find out if an older neighbor could use help walking their dogs. You’ll be doing something good for yourself and someone else.

The bird feeders in my yard. On the left, grape jelly for orioles. On the right, a peanut suet cake for the woodpeckers, finches, and jays. Photo: Jim Mumford

You can help out nature by setting up a bird feeder. Nectar for hummingbirds and orioles, black oil sunflower seeds for songbirds, peanut butter cakes and suet for woodpeckers, jays, and others. They will provide many hours of entertainment. Many of San Diego’s local garden shops are open limited hours and you’ll be helping the local economy when it’s most needed.

The birds love my backyard buffet! They don’t need to worry about social distancing. Photo: Jim Mumford

And never underestimate the power of getting outside to pull some weeds. Get your kids to lend a hand. Make it a contest to see who can pull the most. You’ll never appreciate a good reason to be outside more than now.

~ Jim Mumford, CLP, GRP

Jim Mumford, CLP, GRP is Owner/President of Good Earth Plant Company and Resident Horticulturist. Jim, a long time San Diego resident, began his career in 1977 with the opening of Good Earth Plant & Flower Company, a flower “bucket stand” in downtown San Diego.

Four decades later, Mumford is an award winning plantscaper, green roof and living wall designer, a sought after speaker and a recipient of numerous local and national awards. He is a Certified Landscape Professional, Accredited Green Roof Professional, licensed contractor and a nationally recognized plantscaper. Mumford is currently studying the relatively new fields of biomimicry and biophilia.

In March 2008, Mumford launched GreenScaped Buildings, an addition to the Good Earth family of companies, specializing in green roofs, living walls, bio-filtration and rainwater harvesting systems. His headquarters houses a “living laboratory,” testing new growing systems and products from around the world to ensure the success of his clients’ projects in the arid Southern California climate.

Frequently featured as a green building expert by local and national print and broadcast media including CNN and FOX Business, Mumford is also profiled for his entrepreneurial skills. He was named a California “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; one of San Diego’s “Top Influentials” by the San Diego Daily Transcript; and was recently a featured speaker at the TEDx Youth Conference in San Diego in November 2012.

Mumford is widely recognized for his work with the architectural and design communities, and is well known for his innovative leadership in the industry. Mumford contributes his time and shares his knowledge and experience through industry leadership roles. He is a past president and current board member of the Plantscape Industry Alliance (PIA); board member for People for Livable Places (PLP); and is an active member of the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), American Institute of Architects San Diego (AIASD) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Mumford currently serves on the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Sustainability Committee.

Due to his pioneering efforts and leadership role in the plantscaping industry, Jim Mumford brings skill, creativity, and beautiful environments to local and national clients including hospitals, resorts, universities, restaurants, and private homeowners. It’s for all these reasons he was named an “Eco-Warrior” by San Diego Magazine.