Gardening for Health and Happiness

27th July 2020
Estimated reading time 8 minutes

During our recent period of lockdown, I think we can all admit to times of feeling anxious and worried by the array of new challenges we faced and expectations of ‘carrying on as normal’ whilst our lives were anything but.

In fact, a recent article from the Guardian shows that the psychological toll from Covid-19 has had far reaching effects on mental health in many ways. Stretching from anxiety about job insecurity, to loneliness, bereavement grief and relationship breakdowns.

This has shone a light on how fragile the balance between mental health and well-being can be and the importance of taking care not just of our physical health.

For many of us, the ability to escape the four walls of our homes to the green spaces of our gardens, local parks and countryside has played a huge part in helping to deal with the pressure of lockdown.

A recent survey of 2000 people commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) found that 7 out of 10 of us consider having a garden has helped our mental health during lockdown.  Simple acts of weeding, mowing and watering were cited as having a positive impact. And 60% of respondents also felt the benefit to their physical health from gardening.

The health benefits of gardening 

But it is not just during times of stress that gardening benefits us. Whether recuperating from illness, as therapy for dementia or managing weight, numerous studies have shown that gardening is good for both mind and body. 

For our minds

As soon as we step into nature we can feel ourselves relax. Our pace of life slows and our focus shifts.  All our senses are engaged as we notice the colour, the scents, the sounds, and the feel of the wildlife around us. This break from our daily routines gives our bodies and minds that vital time to relax, rest and recharge.

In Japan, the importance of green spaces are so revered they have given the act of immersing yourself in nature a name. “Shinrin-yoko” or “forest bathing” is the practice of switching off from the world and switching on to nature as time is spent in forests for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. 

woman walking in woodland

For our bodies

The physical act of gardening is equally good for us and has much the same effect as exercising at the gym (though cheaper!). 

Carrying out everyday gardening chores you burn calories, build muscle, improve mobility and fitness levels.

  • Heavy garden work (landscaping, moving rocks, hauling dirt, digging): 400-600 calories per hour.
  • Raking and bagging leaves: 350-450 calories per hour.
  • Gardening: pulling weeds, planting flowers, etc.: 200-400 calories per hour.
  • Mowing the lawn: 250-350 calories per hour.

Source: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/calorie-burners#1

mowing lawn

As well as burning calories, this physical exercise also causes the body to release serotonin and endorphin. These happy hormones lift our mood and help promote a feeling of mental well-being.

As Kathryn Rossiter, CEO of Thrive says:

“Tending plants can literally give people a reason to get out of bed in the morning and the nurturing aspect of gardening is very important as it give people hope, purpose and a sense of achievement which is really important for mental health.

Gardening can build up your muscle strength, increase stamina, improve balance, mobility and ultimately people’s confidence.

At Thrive we believe that just 30 minutes spent outside each day is good for you, helping to build up strength and stamina, relax your muscles, help movement and balance, keep your heart healthy and use up calories.”

In fact, some GP’s are so convinced of the health benefits of gardening they’re even starting to write prescriptions for it. So, it’s time to pull on those gardening gloves – doctors’ orders! 

Getting started

You don’t need a back garden the size of Versailles to get started. A courtyard, a balcony or even a window ledge can allow you to introduce some green to your home.

If you are lucky enough to have an established garden you’ve probably already got your hands full with planting, weeding, digging, pruning, watering and mowing.

But here are a few ideas for some other gardening tasks and projects you could undertake.

For those taking their first steps into the world of horticulture then we’ve a few ideas that will help get you going.

No garden, no problem

Lack of a garden shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. In the Thames Valley we are blessed with a plethora of gardens and open spaces that are open to the public to visit and enjoy. Within easy reach you will find some of the country’s best beauty spots. 

The Royal Horticultural Society

Wisley https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

National Trust

Cliveden https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden

Greys Court https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court

The Vyne https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne

Hughenden https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden

Box Hill https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill

Hindhead Commons and the Devils Punch Bowl https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hindhead-commons-and-the-devils-punch-bowl

The Chilterns https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside

Parks and Gardens

Windsor Great Park http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en

Stonor https://www.stonor.com/

The National Garden Scheme

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,700 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales, to raise money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake.

Find your local gardens at https://ngs.org.uk/

Get your hands dirty

If you would rather get stuck into the practical side of gardening, you could consider taking on your own allotment or volunteering with a local charity.

Gardening as part of a community is a great way to build a sense of belonging and being part of something together, particularly for those who live on their own and can often find themselves feeling isolated.

working on allotment

Allotments

Allotments are popular so you may need to join a waiting list. But if you are keen to get started, you could always ask around at your local allotment to see if any holders need a hand. Not only will most jump at the chance to have someone to help with the weeding and double digging, you will learn loads from those who have been gardening for years. You will also find that they are more than generous not just with their advice but with sharing seeds, plants and gluts of fruit and veg.

Windsor allotment and home gardens association https://www.wahga.org.uk/

Maidenhead allotments https://www3.rbwm.gov.uk/info/200846/allotments/90/allotments_in_maidenhead

Thrive

Thrive is a gardening for health charity with a venue in Reading. They offer several courses, training and workshops that use gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable.

https://www.thrive.org.uk/

The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)

These volunteers give their time, skills and enthusiasm, to protect and care for their local parks, woods and other green spaces.

The Conservation Volunteers South East

The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust plant, protect and restore woods and trees to protect ecosystems, create wildlife havens, combat climate change and build a greener future.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/act/volunteer-with-us/

Closer to home

If you are lucky enough to have a garden and have dreams for transforming it into your own oasis of calm, please feel free to get in touch.  We’re landscape gardeners with a wealth of experience in creating outdoor spaces that work as extensions of your home and in harmony with the needs of all the occupants. 

Contact us on 01628 629720 or ask@thamesvalleylandscapes.co.uk to discuss your needs or to arrange a free survey and quote.

Gardening for Health and Happiness

Need help with your garden project?

We’re BALI registered garden landscapers with a whole lot of experience in delivering:

Read more like this