Garden Your Way To Good Health

Studies have shown that gardening can play an important role in fighting chronic health conditions.

13:13 05 July 2016

There is a growing body of research that suggests gardening is good for both physical and mental health.

 

Experts from public health, horticulture and academia met at the Hamptom Court Flower Show to discuss the role gardening can play in the fight against chronic health conditions. Pilot schemes for GPs to prescribe gardening are underway while children are encouraged in schools to do gardening to have a peaceful space to relax in.

 

Sue Biggs, director general of the Royal Horticultural Society, has attested as to how gardening helped her recover from breast cancer.

 

"It's not just about gardening and horticulture it's also about happiness, because I can't think of a better thing to make people happy - and they are tough times at the moment - and I think gardening, it's just a joy," she says.

 

"When you walk out into a garden and you literally smell the roses and see the bees buzzing on the lavender and just look at all that beautiful colour and scent, you can't help but feel happier, and that can't be a bad thing can it?"