Scientists who studied the influences of gardening found that taking part in the activity twice a week can improve mental(精神的) health. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} team from the University of Florida studied 32 women who did not have any health problems. None of the women have gardened before.

The researchers divided the women {#blank#}2{#/blank#} two groups. The women either took part in gardening {#blank#}3{#/blank#} took art classes. Both groups {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(simple) took part in their own activities twice a week for four weeks.

During the gardening activities, the women performed tasks such as planting and{#blank#}5{#/blank#}(dig). After finishing the tasks, the women answered questions about their worries, {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(sad) and so on. Also, their blood pressure and heart rate(率){#blank#}7{#/blank#}(test) by the scientists.

While both groups experienced improved mental health, the group who gardened had a little more advantages, reporting less stress and sadness. The research team hopes {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(learn) more about how gardening and mental health are connected. "At the end of the study, many of {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(they) were saying not just how much they enjoyed the activities but also how they planned to keep gardening," said Charles Guy, one of the study's {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (science). This study has also inspired them to take part in the activity of gardening.