Gardening is the practice of growing and cultivating plants as part of horticulture. In gardens, ornamental plants are often grown for their flowers, foliage, or overall appearance; useful plants, such as root vegetables, leaf vegetables, fruits, and herbs, are grown for consumption, for use as dyes, or for medicinal or cosmetic use. Gardening is considered by many people to be a relaxing activity. Though gardening most commonly takes place in private backyards or small plots in urban areas, it can also be done on larger scales, such as on farms or in public parks. Home gardeners practise a wide variety of ways to design and maintain their gardens, ranging from traditional, informal designs to organized, carefully planned styles. Gardening is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, hone your green thumb, and grow healthy, tasty vegetables as well as beautiful, striking flowers. It is also an excellent way to provide an aesthetic environment around your home, create a habitat for local wildlife, and have a spot to enjoy outdoor activities such as relaxation or entertaining. Gardening can also reduce stress, increase your physical activity, develop your green thumb, and sharpen your mind and creativity. Planting, watering, and caring for your plants can have mental and emotional health benefits, while physical activities, such as digging, may also give you a good workout and increase your fitness. Gardening can also have social benefits. Sharing the activity with family and friends can create a sense of accomplishment, provide a great conversation piece, and can potentially start a family tradition or bring people closer together. Gardening also connects you with nature and allows you to appreciate the beauty of the world around you.