Dirt dished on Kiwi gardeners
Kiwis just love their gardens and when it comes to spending recreational time, watching the footy and fishing loses out to getting into the garden.
According to a new survey undertaken by Yates to celebrate the inaugural National Gardening Week, 67% said they would rather be gardening than fishing and 60% opted for getting into the garden over getting in front of the game.
Seventy-one per cent of those surveyed said their garden was their happy place while nearly half
(47%) turn to gardening to relieve stress and 22% said it had helped alleviate depression.
Fiona Arthur from Yates says the power of gardening shouldn’t be underestimated.
‘‘Gardening on a small or a large scale can be done by people of almost any age or ability. We know connecting with nature is good for our mental and physical health. Apart from the well-known physical benefits of gardening, many studies have shown spending time in nature, whether in your garden or in the bush, leads to reduced stress, increased cognitive ability and overall calming effects.’’
Females are more passionate about gardening (60%) than the blokes, some of whom see it as a chore that has to be done.
The greatest motivation for gardening is to keep up with the Joneses and have the best garden in the street (57%). While close second is to have fresh home grown vegetables (52%).
Nine in ten New Zealanders believe children should be taught how to grow vegetables and 94% believe eating home-grown vegetables is better for your health. Gardening was considered to be an invaluable life skill by 83% and having a good knowledge of gardening helps families economically through growing their own fruit and vegetables.
Lisa Carrington was the number one New Zealand celebrity gardeners would like to spend a day in their garden with, closely followed by Richie McCaw.
Gardening is not only a great way to stay physically and mentally fit but gardens are an important asset when selling a home. Sixty-one per cent of people said they believed a great garden added more value to a home than either a home theatre room or swimming pool.
Yates is giving a free packet of seeds to everyone who registers online at www.yates.co.nz/ nationalgardeningweek.