Can gardening save the the NHS? Our readers certainly think so...
In the January issue, we highlighted the benefits of gardening to improve the nation’s health with the feature Can gardening save the the NHS? We’ve received many inspiring letters. Here is a selection, with more to be found on our Facebook page at bit.ly
Eleven years ago, at the age of 39, my life came to a crashing halt when I became ill with severe clinical depression. A year later, I began to feel that I should try to work; I knew I could never go back to my old life, but what could I do? My friend’s mother suggested I try gardening. The idea appealed, and she kindly asked me to put her garden to rest for the winter, which I did and earned some money for the first time in ages. It was the dreariest October, but for the first time in months I was motivated and keen to tackle the slightly overwhelming job ahead – I spent hours raking leaves, cutting back, edging, composting and pruning. I didn’t realise at the time but this was the start of my gardening career, which suits me perfectly. I’m outside, on my own in the fresh air, and nurturing my clients’ gardens throughout the seasons. I have eight regular gardens and I’ve learnt so much about horticulture. Gardening has been a great benefit to my physical health, too. My bingo arms have vanished through endless hours of sweeping leaves and mowing lawns. The fresh air and the quiet solitude have helped me to slowly piece together the fragments of my life, saving my sanity, and enabling me to live a far more rewarding and peaceful life. Ann-Louise Dyer, by email
I can definitely vouch for the healing powers of gardening. After losing my wife to cancer in November 2015, I have kept up all her good work in our garden and allotment. This has done more for my rehabilitation than anything else. I now volunteer twice a week at Sutton Community Farm and Gatton Park, where I learn something new every week. David Dale, by email
I spend many hours in the garden and find it therapeutic. After a stressful week at work, I can’t think of a better way to unwind than tending my shrubs, raising plants or digging the veg patch. Having suffered from depression, I know how gardening can lift my mood and when feeling anxious it can be extremely calming. Angry feelings can be dealt with by a bit of hard digging and pruning. I wish I could prescribe this therapy to people less fortunate than me. Jenny Lamper, Sussex
After losing our son in tragic circumstances, we returned to our home in France, where we created a memorial garden. Now my husband and I have somewhere lovely to sit and remember the happy times we shared. If I didn’t have this space to escape to I would never have been able to move forward. The exercise and the healthy produce we grow and share, helps add to the peace and my mental stability. Susan Lambert, by email
After suffering with bouts of depression and being written off sick by my doctor, I discovered gardening. My neighbour Ian, who had cancer, got me started. He had a beautiful garden that he needed help with. I found myself spending days cutting the lawns, weeding the borders and, best of all, learning. My neighbour was an excellent gardener, and we would sit and talk for hours – we realised we were helping each other. One day, a passerby stopped to admire the garden and said they needed help in their own garden. Three years later and I’m now a self-employed gardener. I can’t believe how much gardening has changed my life. Craig Spours, by email
We wanted to tell you about the gardening group we created at our surgery. The patients were allotted two plots of land, giving them the chance to garden for therapeutic reasons. The plots have been transformed into an atmospheric space that benefits not only those that tend them, but also visitors and staff. The group recently won an award in recognition of making the gardens accessible to patients of all physical abilities. We are going from strength to strength and would encourage others to do a bit of gardening. Yvonne Fernando and Kay Alcott, The Gardening Group at Charing Surgery, Kent Your feature resonated with the work we do, and our flagship garden, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden on London’s Southbank, is a prime example. There are many benefits to working with the earth and plants, caring for growing things and being outdoors. The current impetus towards promoting gardening as part of a broader NHS is undeniably gaining strength, and our company is part of this groundswell. In particular, Jinny Blom’s quote rang true for our volunteers: “… the physical process of digging, handling earth and being alongside nature really helped calm people”. This aptly describes the positive effects that gardening brings to people who gain self-respect and feel proud being part of a successful team. We are doing our bit to help save the NHS and more recognition will help the momentum grow.
Lucy Cullen, Grounded Ecotherapy, London
I was reading your feature and felt I must write in to say I’m sure gardening is good for mind and body! There is nothing more fulfilling than working among the flower beds, cutting grass and watching wildlife. I urge everyone to give it a go. Dianne Blair, Hampshire