A survey of 1500 adults in the UK has found that those who garden have a higher probability of being ‘satisfied’ with their life than those who don’t.The most popular hobby in the UK is computing or gaming, (52% of respondents name it as their favourite pastime), while gardening came joint second with walking or hiking (43%), according to the study.
Lucy Hall, editor of Gardeners’ World said:
“We have long suspected it, but our research means we can definitely say gardening makes you happy. Part of it comes from nurturing something but also a natural optimism that no matter how bad the weather, there’s always next year. It’s also about passing the seed of knowledge and the pleasure that gives.”
Cawston primary School- weeding the Cabbages and Calabrese
Further support for the benefits of gardening comes from research across several UK universities. Jules Pretty, from Essex University, said:
“Engagement with green places is good for personal health. We also know that short-term mental health improvements are protective of long-term health benefits. We thus conclude that there would be a large potential benefit to individuals, society and to the costs of the health service if all groups of people were to self-medicate more with what we at Essex call green exercise. Gardening falls into this category – it is good for both mental and physical health, and all social and age groups benefit. It provides a dose of nature.”
Source: The Times, Belfast
Link: BBC News report
It’s over. My first garden opening has left feelings of satisfaction, pride, friendship and aching limbs.We had about 70 visitors yesterday, not bad for our first opening. Several came by bike and all seem to have had a good time, soaking up the heat, the garden and some delicious tea and cakes. Many made positive noises about the garden and the Courtyard seems to have been a particular hit. It was particularly interesting to meet a former pupil at the School- back in 1937 – and a new neighbour. Friends,colleagues and neighbours helped to make the event a success:
So a very big THANK YOU to all of them and most of all to mother Nature who put on a wonderful display for all to enjoy (including blackbird nest and mole hill)!
I’m now planning a few days of rather less frenetic activity. But first a trip to the bank to pay in the proceeds of the day and to then write three cheques for around £100 to each of the three ‘good causes’ we were supporting:
from Growveg
via Growveg
On the eve of our first visit from a year five class, I was weeding our nature trail and tidying up. To my amazement, I saw what looked like a female stage beetle! I picked up the small rotting piece of wood and put it with the beetle inside a small window seal plant container. I sealed the plastic lid tight as I knew it would rain, so it wouldn’t get flooded out!
Whilst taking 21 children on a tour of our nature trail, I asked who could identify the different plants, vegetables and herbs. The two items of particular interest were: Blueberries and potatoes. I asked, ‘who has had blueberry pie?’I was met with a resounding: ‘No!’ I then asked, ‘who has had a blueberry muffin?’ I was met with a resounding: ‘Yes!’
We looked at the potatoes and one child said, ‘I thought potatoes…
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Nigel Boldero aka 'Old School Gardener'
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