The Natural Gardener
There’s something rather wonderful and wholesome about gardening. I see it as a magic wand, a restorative tonic that makes everyone feel better instantly. The feeling of long days well spent tending to a plot, however big or small, watching it grow, falter and then flourish, with the chatter of birds and the buzz of bees and distant lawnmowers as your soundtrack on a warm, sunny day.
A life spent in the garden is a life well lived, there’s no doubt about that. All keen gardeners know this; it’s like a secret only you know, that you desperately want to let everyone else in on.
We do all we can to encourage our plants and wildlife, but gardening isn’t just about them. It’s about us, too. The sense of wellbeing and meaning it gives us can be profound. I know many people – friends, family, colleagues – who view it as a vital lifeline to their health, mental and physical. We get letters in from many readers explaining how gardening has helped them over the years; through bereavement, loneliness, for the good of their mind, or even just by getting them out for a bit of exercise.
Anyone can do it, too. From a pot of pansies to full scale allotments, it’s an achievable, well-rounded pastime, a gentle hobby that can turn into a real passion!
If only we could spread the word more, far and wide, about its merits. It’s time to tell children, nieces, nephews and neighbours that if only they gave it a good go, they’d benefit.
This year there’ll be lots of events dedicated to gardens and wellbeing – in early June it’s Growing for Wellbeing Week, a celebration of growing your own food, and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will display the Friendship Garden, to highlight how gardening brings people together. The wonderful charity Thrive, who use gardening to bring positive changes to people’s lives, put on lots of events and courses through the year, too. Visit their website at www.thrive.org.uk.
Gardening has got it all; the combination of nature, nurture, beauty, exercise in mind and body, learning, curiosity, accomplishment, and a sense of belonging. You’ll never be lonely if you’re part of the gardening community; we hope our Garden News community helps you, too. All you gardeners out there, keep up the good work!