SHOOTS OF RECOVERY

Seeing the fresh green shoots of spring bulbs poke through the bare earth really seems to lift my spirits at this time of year. And now a study has revealed that there’s some science behind this sentiment: growing just a few ornamental varieties in your front garden can indeed make you feel chirpier. Researchers from the study* planted spring bulbs and bedding plants in the front gardens of low-income areas in Salford, Greater Manchester. They then monitored levels of the stress hormone cortisol in residents, and found that more than half had healthy levels, compared with just a quarter before the project. In addition, more than 50 per cent said their flowerfilled front garden made them feel happier and 40 per cent felt more relaxed. As if you needed another excuse to dig out your gardening gloves…

Skin can look a bit lacklustre at the end of winter, so tap into the radiance-boosting properties of turmeric with Botanical Lab Turmeric Balancing Face Wash (£4.99, superdrug.co.uk).