GARDENING the MIND

Growing a garden for the sheer enjoyment of planting seeds and nurturing them to full development is one of life's unsung joys. Prior to the pandemic, gardening was a skill that was at risk of being relegated to the realm of 'retirement', or worse, 'something you did when you had nothing better to do'!

Over the last couple of years, isolation and lock-down have shown us how important nature (and gardening) is to our overall health and wellbeing. Most of us are aware of scientific studies showing the health benefits of being in, or just observing, nature. Viewing a tree through a window can provide healing for patients recovering from surgery, with less need for pain killers and faster recovery time! In fact, in Britain some health professionals now refer to gardening as Vitamin G and prescribe it as a remedy for their patients.

My doctoral research demonstrated the healing benefits of gardening for emotional wellbeing for individuals who have suffered trauma. And from a personal perspective, I too turned toward gardening specifically to cope with a difficult time in my life.

This was the basis for my article in the Australian Country Style magazine in October 2020. Whilst I would prefer not to 'bare my soul', I believe it is more important than ever to talk about the multiple health benefits of gardening for every age group and stage of life. Gardening does not have to mean access to large plots of land. The amazing thing about gardening is that a few pots on a balcony can also provide health benefits. And even just one beautiful bloom can transport us to a place of peace and calm.

Gardening is a skill that can easily be learnt and passed onto the next generation. Putting a seed into a pot of compost and observing how it grows can be the beginning of a life-long love of learning about the natural world around us. And learning that the beauty of nature calms and soothes us, no matter who we are, or our stage in life, is a gift to cherish and pass onto those around us.

And surely that is a worthwhile way to live our lives, don't you think!

Happy gardening!

Lillian