Charles hails healing power of gardens at Chelsea Flower Show (via video link)

HE HAS long championed the power of plants and the great outdoors.

And now, more than ever, it seems Prince Charles has a point about the vital role nature has to play in our health and wellbeing.

He stressed that message to virtual visitors to the online Chelsea Flower Show yesterday, welcoming the nation’s ‘new-found love of gardening’ that has bloomed in lockdown.

The prince – who is happily surrounded by nature at his sprawling Scottish estate, Birkhall, where he is isolating with Camilla – said spending time at home had helped many people reconnect with local green spaces. Charles, who is a long-time advocate of climate action, also stressed healthy plants and trees were ‘vitally important’ to mitigate global warming by storing carbon.

He added: ‘I know many people have discovered a heightened appreciation for their local green space and a new-found love for gardening and food produce – a welcome outcome from this desperate situation.

‘I’m not alone in feeling plants and trees play an utterly indispensable role in our lives.’ Pointing to the spread of ash dieback, Charles used his video message to the flower show, taking place online this week, to urge gardeners to take simple actions – such as cleaning tools and buying British-grown plants – to prevent pests and diseases. ÷ The prince is also supporting a virtual memorial for those who have died from the ‘agonisingly painful’ pandemic. Remember Me is an online book of remembrance started by St Paul’s Cathedral in London to mark the loss of loved ones of all faiths and creeds.