It’s Garden Day on 10 May, the perfect reason to get outside and smell the roses!
Getting out in the garden can have a wealth of health benefits, both physical and mental. In fact, studies have shown that simply being in a garden is good for both the mind and the body. It lowers the heart rate, calms brain activity, and makes people feel more connected to the world around them.
And that’s why Candide, the app for plant lovers, has instigated Garden Day as a way of encouraging people to not only get outside and enjoy their gardens, but also share their love of the outdoors and celebrate the happiness effect of gardens with friends, family and neighbours. According to a survey conducted by Candide into The Happiness Effect of Gardens, 96 per cent of people said they felt happier when spending downtime in their gardens, with 94 per cent stating that they wish they spent more time in the garden. People said that they feel happier spending time in the gardens than watching TV (74 per cent), going to the cinema (58 per cent), exercising (50 per cent) or even going out for a meal (38 per cent). The survey also found that people rate spending time in the garden as even more important for their mental health (85 per cent) than for their physical health (74 per cent).
Thirteen times RHS Gold medallist Chris Beardshaw says, “A very present-day challenge is that our time is often dictated by our ‘to-do’ lists, and we are constantly bombarded with ‘how to’ information. This can all be fabulously helpful when needed, but Garden Day on 10 May is the antithesis. The day is all about ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’ and celebrates the simplicity of just enjoying our garden space no matter where or what that is.”
Flower power
For added floral fun, everyone is encouraged to get creative and make their own flower crown to wear on Garden Day. Step by step videos will be posted on the Garden Day website, and pop-up flower crown making workshops will be springing up in various gardens in the lead up to Garden Day.
Do you find that gardening influences your creativity, especially when it comes to producing new recipes?
Absolutely, 100 per cent – you become numb to the seasons if you don’t take note of what’s happening outside. To be outside and amongst plants and nature you think clearly and you’re able to focus more on the ingredients. And with great ingredients come great plates of food.
Tell us a bit about how the ornamental kitchen garden at The Newt influences your wo
