Why Garden at all?

The reasons for creating a garden can be almost as diverse as the plant world itself. But for many of us who dwell in created spaces where homes are the priority, a garden is often an afterthought. And in fact, many of us never really get around to actually 'gardening' at all, or at least not until we're older and have 'more time'!

As someone who has lived most of my life surrounded by green spaces but within the confines of a limited plot, gardening has evolved over time to being a means by which I can create a safe haven for me and my family. When my family was young, I discovered gardening as a means of creating beautiful and safe places for my children to play in. In addition, gardening was a solace where the stress of having a chronically ill child could be soothed and replaced with a sense of peace and hope.

And in fact, this became the impetus for my research into the benefits for wellbeing of spending time in green spaces. This was at a time when the concept of taking time out in natural environments with the intention of improving our mental health and wellbeing was regarded as a little (well for some, a lot) 'left field'! Fortunately, attitudes have changed since then, particularly during the pandemic, but more on that later.

As my family has grown and we have moved more than once, gardening has morphed from a place of recreation to a place of work and creativity, while still providing a safe, green space for grandchildren to play in and to learn about the natural world within. Gardening for me is multifaceted with a complexity of meanings and sense making, from being a space that allows me to be creative, provides beauty and fresh produce, to a destination to return to after venturing out into the broader world. Now, for me, a garden is a place where I can work, create and co-exist with nature, even if in a rather limited fashion.

Of course, after the lockdowns we've all experience with the covid pandemic, having access to a 'green' space, be it private or public, rose exponentially in our perception of its importance in everyday life. However, I wonder if many of us are allowing our 'need' for green spaces to diminish and fade, now that lockdowns seem to be relegated to the past, however recently. It seems our lives have quickly become busy again, with the everyday being consumed (pun intended!) with the push and pull of working to earn a living, particularly in a climate of increased household bills and living costs.

While I know that for many lockdowns were a difficult season that caused great stress and distress, I somehow miss the quieter mode of those times. This was a unique time, where everyday life slowed and a set of new priorities arose in sharp contrast to our previous lives of constantly running, and that uniquely Western industrial state of 'being busy'. Like many, I had hoped that once we were able to move freely about our normal, everyday lives, we would continue to focus on community, caring for each other and enjoying the little things, including valuing more time outdoors in green spaces.

Yet, despite an apparent 'return to normal' I cannot stop wondering if some of us have seen a shift in our need to spend more time in nature as an ongoing aspect of everyday living. I'm hopeful that the memories for many of buying seeds and planting new garden beds in previously ignored backyards, or the desire to create a safe green haven for ourselves and others, or even just the joy of being outside and experiencing the sun on our face, or green grass under our feet, will remain with us.

How wonderful to pass on a legacy to the next generation of learning to adapt to a difficult situation with the assistance of nature itself; a legacy that highlights the positive benefits for our wellbeing and physical and mental health of spending time outdoors near trees, grass and shrubs. A legacy that allows us to develop a modicum of self-sufficiency through growing a little of our own produce and allowing the natural environment to nurture us. A legacy that leads to caring for each other, as well as the environments in which we work and live, including environments that are largely unseen by us but that impact on our everyday quality of life.

While the world turns on a pin prick of potential disaster with climate change and unholy events unfolding far and near, perhaps the one great lesson of it all is to 'stop and smell the roses'!

I certainly hope you make time to do just that!

xx Lillian