Talk to plants? We should at least get to know them, says Charles
HE has long been known for talking to his plants, once admitting he helps his garden grow by doing so and last year revealing that he ‘shakes hands’ with every tree he plants.
But while that might be a step too far for most, Prince Charles is encouraging people across Britain to at least get to know the shrubs and flowers in their gardens.
The Prince, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, planted a hydrangea at his Birkhall home on the Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire as part of the £MillionPlantingMoments campaign. This aims to promote the physical and mental health benefits people can get from gardening.
Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) president Boyd Douglas-Davies said: ‘We are very grateful for the support from the
Duke of Rothesay at a time when the benefits of planting and gardening have never been more important.
‘£MillionPlantingMoments aims to highlight the huge contribution that plants make to our environment.
‘Anyone can take part, whether they have access to a community space, garden, patio or window box and they can plant anything from trees and shrubs to perennials and bedding. Gardening benefits mental health and wellbeing across all generations and this was particularly reinforced during lockdown.
‘Our survey indicates that younger people are gardening more and we need to keep them engaged to have a positive impact on both our environment and on their health.’