You’ve exhausted Netflix, already done a home workout, the fridge is stocked and there’s still time in the day.

Q: What to do? A: Garden!!

Typically the realm of grandparents or Jims Mowing (in our collective imagination), gardening has surged in popularity since COVID came onto the scene.

It turns out that in beautifying the garden, or reviving an unloved vege patch the benefits are endless. Not only do you have (another) good workout, a hit of Vitamin D on a sunny afternoon, or harvest some produce for dinner, but getting out into the garden positively impacts your mental health.

Tino Carnevale from Gardening Australia likens gardening to a meditative pursuit, and says that gardening has ‘a calming effect’ (ABC News). This is supported by anyone who owns some secateurs (!), and a science based brochure recently released by the Association Internationale des Producteurs de l’Horticulture (or ‘International Association of Horticultural Producers’).

The AIPH brochure titled “How gardening will keep you well during the coronavirus pandemic” advocates that being in nature has profound health benefits. It then specifically outlines the proven benefits of gardening for physical health and emotional well-being:

A regular dose of gardening can improve your health. Studies report a wide range of health outcomes, such as reductions in depression, anxiety, and body mass index, as well as increases in life satisfaction, quality of life, and sense of community.
Gardening gives people a creative way to change their stress and frustration into something beautiful that offers comfort and joy.

(AIPH)

So get out into the garden this Spring, and encourage your neighbours and loved ones to do the same. It’s also a great topic to discuss with your grandmother on Zoom!

Stay well,
The Stable Team.