With the excesses of Christmas now behind us and the glow of warmer days ahead, it’s always time to take stock. How seriously do you plan to make 2015 a healthier and less stressful year? Everyone extols the virtues of the latest diet, that fail-safe piece of equipment at the gym, but realistically, is that really for you? Maybe there are budget issues, maybe it’s not about losing weight, could it be about removing stress from your life? What if help was actually right outside your front door?
Have you ever considered that gardening might be the answer for you? It is now a recognized self-help therapy. Whether inside or outside, it doesn’t matter. If you are intimidated as you have always gone for the minimalist look with weed free gravel or a tidy lawn as the extent of your gardening skills. Or maybe you’re someone who can’t tell a petunia from a pansy, don’t worry. Whatever your level of knowledge or physical ability, I guarantee that there is a gardening project that is right for you.
Taken to the extreme extreme, gardening provides ample opportunity to take these skills and even transfer them to a business level. Why not check out Georgie Newbury (Common Farm Flowers) or Derry Watkins (Special Plants Nursery) for more information. As you will soon learn, nurturing plants provides a forward-looking approach, builds confidence, and brings a renewed sense of purpose.
Some issues to consider are:
- What is your level of gardening knowledge? If the answer is little, don’t worry, there are some very knowledgeable Facebook groups, gardening books, local and national gardening societies all just dying to help. Don’t forget TV shows like ‘Gardener’s World’ and of course radio shows too.
- How big is your garden? A garden is truly a joy whatever the size. Perhaps as a beginner or someone with health issues, the whole project might seem daunting. If finances are an issue, I suggest you put an ad on your Facebook gardening page or in a local newspaper asking for volunteers to come and help with the friendship and hospitality offered in return. It would probably be good to have at least one friend there to support and organize everyone if you feel unsafe. However, it might be worth finding out if there is an allocation scheme near you. Did you know that in 2008 there were over 300,000 plots in the UK producing over 215,000 tonnes of produce? The downside of wanting to be a part of this ‘Good Life’ is the fact that there are huge waiting lists. So check with your local council or contact the National Adjudication Society for more information. If this doesn’t work, you might consider sharing someone else’s garden. This sounds fraught with potential problems, but it’s worth getting advice from the Landshare group created by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Or see if there is a ‘Grow your own neighbourhood’ scheme. Some cities even run their own individual schemes. So I think this is definitely something to research on the internet and also see if your local library has any tips.
- What kind of financial commitment can you give? As with any hobby, gardening can be expensive. But gone are the days of relying solely on a supermarket/nursery for your plants with a limited choice of varieties. Now, by carefully searching the Internet, cheaper plants can be obtained. It’s all a matter of research. Church/charity plant sales are a good source of goodies at reasonable prices. Checking the local newspaper is always a good idea to get an idea of what’s going on locally. Also think about farmers’ markets. Newspapers often advertise groups of plants for sale at reasonable prices. Put an ad in your newspaper offering some plants for sale inviting people to trade with you. I’d like to suggest that a certain amount of ingenuity has to occur on your part. Finally, one of the cheapest ways to get plants for your garden is to grow them from seed. This is such an immersive project that provides hours of work but very enjoyable!
One last thought, visiting open gardens through the National Garden Scheme is a worthwhile activity, you’re helping to raise much needed funds for wonderful charities, but find you can learn about design, plant groupings, talking to owners and others gardeners about the conditions. in your area, what works well and what doesn’t. Please find out if there is an open garden near you.
I hope this wonderful hobby inspires you. It will give you exercise, fresh air, a chance to meet like-minded people, maybe even take up photography to preserve tangible memories of some of the wonderful plants and gardens you’ve enjoyed. It can provide hours of total joy tinged with frustration, but the bottom line is that you’ll feel empowered and part of something incredible. Have fun!!
