HAMPTON in Arden-based Rosebourne Nurseries is supporting National Gardening Week (April 26 to May 2), the national campaign spearheaded by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS.)
And this year the RHS is encouraging everyone to celebrate the feel-good power of gardens and ensure that you get your dose of Vitamin G (green) by taking a few minutes each day to connect with nature.
Research shows how contact with nature improves our sense of personal wellbeing and how plants and gardening positively impact our physical and mental health.
An RHS study in collaboration with the University of Sheffield showed that adding plants to a paved front garden could reduce stress levels as much as eight weekly mindfulness sessions.
Meanwhile, recent Harvard research showed that 30 minutes of gardening can burn as many calories as playing badminton or practising yoga.
RHS director of science, Professor Alistair Griffiths said: “Aim to bring green into your daily life as much as possible for maximum benefits.
“There are dozens of ways to connect with nature, and you don’t even need to have your own garden to get your Vitamin G.”
Carol Paris, chief executive of Rosebourne added: “The benefits of having contact with nature are far-reaching.
“From having a houseplant or two on your desk to growing a few herbs or vegetables or simply walking around and relaxing in your garden or local outdoor space can make a positive difference to how you feel.”
Here are a few easy ideas anyone can do to get a dose of Vitamin G this National Gardening Week:
1. Take a mindful moment in your garden or local green space: pause for a minute to appreciate the new green leaves, listen for birdsong or enjoy the scents of spring blooms to refresh your mind and senses.
2. Bring the outside in: if you’re working from home, add a green, leafy houseplant to your desk or near your work area – studies show this can reduce stress, increase productivity and attention span and improve reaction speed!
3. Pep up your plate: have a go at growing some quick herbs, salad leaves, or microgreens on a windowsill, which can be ready to harvest in just a few weeks to add a burst of green goodness and home-grown flavour to your meals.
4. Plant up a container to make you smile: choose a combination of colourful or scented flowers, tactile grasses, and lush foliage to create a cheerful spring display to greet you whenever you leave or return home.
5. Green up your every day: think about how you can connect with nature in your day-to-day activities – could you walk or cycle through the park on the way to the shops, have lunch al fresco, or do a workout in the garden?
For further inspiration visit https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/national-gardening-week/
