Heed the lessons in life from companion planting
The effects of various lockdown restrictions continue. As our normal social life has been disrupted, going to the allotment has brought with it so many pleasures in addition to fruit and vegetables.
Unlocking the main gate and pushing my wheelbarrow of tools down to the plot seems like entering a parallel world. Allotments have provided us with a readymade social group when many usual social activities have been reduced to virtual meetings by Zoom. Many of us have felt less rushed as some of our usual commitments have gone on hold. As well as resulting in more productivity, visiting the plots has undoubtedly served to raise our spirits on many occasions. Usually when the clocks change, fewer people seem to visit their plots but I predict that this year is going to be different and they will continue to be one of the best places to be.
Well- being and the therapeutic benefits of gardening are the subject of a new book, The Garden Cure. The author, Jan Cameron, has a lifetime’s experience of working in mental health and community gardens.
Her book is full of inspiration with ideas and suggestions we can all use to carry us through these challenging times. Each chapter is illustrated with case studies and carries a handy summary box of its key points.
Most of us know how all- absorbing gardening can be and she observes that this aspect can give those suffering from mental health issues some respite from whatever thoughts and feelings could be plaguing them. I know that a good night’s sleep is guaranteed after some physical hard work. She writes of how skills learned in gardening can carry through to everyday life. Working to deadlines, such as planting seeds at the right time, is every bit as important in the garden as in the office and we ignore them at our peril.
Companion planting is all about creating plant communities which mutually benefit one another. While the scientific basis is not fully understood, it makes sense to sow seeds of flowering plants such as pot marigold and poached egg plants on the plot as the flowers attract beneficial insects and help adjacent crops to flourish. She uses companion planting in horticulture as a metaphor for the way working together side by side in a community garden or allotment setting for a common purpose makes for greater achievements and sense of well- being than plodding on alone. ■