Let’s face it, most people are looking forward to seeing the back of 2020. Everyone is inside more at the moment, which is causing an intense, cabin fever atmosphere –however our Gardens are an extension of a house and another ‘room’ or space to spend time in right now.
Here’s why our gardens could be the tonic we need during these times;
- It’s a place to relax and destress: Many people come and sit in the garden to de-stress or just relax. Gardens are special peaceful space with restorative qualities that can work wonders when we are stressed and under pressure. There’s growing evidence that has found that the more people who used their gardens, the fewer incidents of stress suffered. There’s also good evidence that suggest that just looking at a green space has positive effects on people’s mental health, helping them relax and de-stress.
- Developing a green thumb is a way to pass the time for some people: Gardening is also a way to pass the time whilst reducing stress, symptoms of depression and anxiety. While gardens can be relaxing, they can also be places where our efforts result in a real sense of achievement, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Gardening has so much potential for people with defined mental health needs, offering an enormous range of activities and options, more so than any other type of therapeutic activity. Being in a garden, surrounded by beautiful plants and doing simple, manual tasks such as deadheading, weeding and watering can calm the mind and lift the spirit.
- The good scents are good for you: Stop and smell the roses—literally. Scent is a powerful sensory stimulus that can calm us and help us connect more deeply with nature.
- You can lose yourself in your garden. Another key element of a therapeutic garden is creating privacy and the ability to lose yourself in a plant-rich environment. To give your mind a break from stressful or negative thoughts, bring your journal and write down details you notice such as a bee coming and going, a leaf turning over in the wind, or whatever captures your interest.
- The colours of a garden can pick us up. Warm colours—reds, oranges and yellows—can pick us up when we’re feeling lethargic or depressed; use them in active areas of the garden where you want to eat or entertain. Cool blues and purples are calming and perfect for parts of the garden where you want to unwind. Use colour in plantings as well as garden structures, furniture and accessories.