Coronavirus: it can’t stop gardening...

THERE is no getting away from the fact that we currently live in surreal times because of restrictions imposed on us due to COVID-19. If there is a silver lining, however, it’s the fact that spring is here, which means thoughts turn to the garden.

If you’re an avid gardener then you won’t need reminding of this, but if you suddenly find yourself at home with loads of time on your hands, gardening is the answer. Getting out doors and keeping a safe distance is necessary right now, and being in the garden for long periods of time is good for your mental and physical health.

Whether it’s growing vegetables, manicuring lawns, planting trees and hedging, or growing colourful flowers, the results are immense for you and for your surroundings. For example, growing food creates a powerful sense of well-being and self-sufficiency. It’s also likely that social restrictions will be in place for some months so what better way to respond than by growing your own food.

Even if it’s just a few onions, a head of lettuce or tomatoes, it’s a self-sustaining response to the restrictions and anxieties around us.

You can be sure that children will absorb themselves in gardening tasks. Do this by setting up little jobs for them. They will love the sense of responsibility and is a great way of killing time. Head to the garden centre, google gardening website about growing flowers and vegetables you like most. But whatever you do, get gardening.