This week marks an important week in the gardening calendar as it is National Growing for Wellbeing Week. And our own wellbeing, both physical and mental, cannot be more important than at the present moment in time.
It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will experience a form of mental health in any given year. Gardening has proven, on many occasions, that it can benefit our wellbeing. The RHS has some extensive material to support this.
There are so many benefits to gardening and you could probably write a book on it. In fact, I would go so far to say that the way that we get the benefits of gardening is different for each and every one of us. Style, taste, ability will all come into play. Here are some benefits that we’ve picked out;
Physical health
Physical health comes in many guises in the garden. Whether you are digging out new beds, potting up or weeding, it is great for your physical health. And more to the point, the physical work you do can be completely tailored to you. Even just being outside in the fresh air will have a benefit to your physical health. Perhaps a walk around an RHS garden?
Mental health
Mental health is most certainly where many benefits are derived from. There is a distinct connection between gardening and the nature that is around us – just how we used to be and how we always should be. It is the backbone of our species and without gardening and horticulture in some form or another, we simply wouldn’t be able to survive on the planet.
Now, you don’t need to be digging over allotments to get this sense of satisfaction. A complete paradise of a garden can be created in a small space or even indoors if you don’t have outdoor space.
If you have ever seen the excitement on a child’s face when their first seed grows, this natural feeling never actually leaves us because it is part of our DNA.
Socialising
Socialising is a big part of gardening and you would be amazed just how many people around actually love it. At the time of writing this, we are in lockdown and I have personally been amazed at the amount of people advertising their spare plants on facebook and gumtree. And the demand has been overwhelmingly surprising.
When things are all back to normal, whenever that might be, I can imagine that allotments and community gardens are going to be extremely popular as likeminded people can meet, share ideas and, as most gardeners do, have a cup of tea together. I can’t wait for these days to return.
Skill development
Gardening can seem a little overwhelming to start with and often people are worried about failure and things not growing or not being as good as they see on the television. It’s true that these things happen. And it should be something that you embrace. Children are often disappointed when things don’t grow but often there is time to try again. And as an adult who has been gardening many years, there are always moments of disappointment, it’s nature. However, the moments of good far, far out way them.
Start simple, start easy and the results are amazing. I often say that growing a garden is like spinning plates. If you have never spun plates before, you are going to find it difficult to juggle multiple plates all at once. But, over time, you will pick up on skills, refine them and it will become second nature. It’s the same as any other hobby.
Personally, I think the most important skill that you gain from gardening is patience.
So whether you are growing your first flowers or even better growing some food, I cannot tell you the amount of enjoyment that you will have in doing so.
If you are looking for further information on National Growing for Wellbeing Week, do check out Annabelle’s site lifeatno.27’s site for a whole host of information and also some free resource packs for you to enjoy.
Whatever you get up to, have a great week.
Sean
