Gardening is Good for You
Horticultural Therapy is a practice that explores how gardening heals emotionally and physically. There is an old saying “you can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt”.
Research shows that gardening provides a form of emotional expression and release and helps people to connect with others. The psychological advantages of working in the fresh air and sunshine are also beneficial.
One study concluded “Those who are involved with gardening find life more satisfying and feel they have more positive things happening in their lives”. That’s a healthy attitude.
Did You Know?
Gardening is the second most popular form of exercise in Canada; second only to walking.
Happiest Day?
Wales-based psychologist Cliff Arnall hit the headlines with his formula for finding the Happiest Day of the Year. The factors used to calculate the date (24th June this year) included being outdoors, social interaction, flowering gardens, temperature, elements of nature and childhood memories. Cliff Arnall commented, “Happiness is associated with many things in life ... whether it’s a sunny day, a flowering garden or a childhood memory. I wanted my formula to prove the key to happiness really can be that simple.”
Personally, having the cheerful disposition of a passionate gardener, outdoors most of the time and fuelled by fresh air, I say “treat every day as though it’s your happiest – and one day you’ll be right!”
St David’s Day Daffodil
I remember Dad saying that as a child he was lucky if he could pick a daffodil out of his garden to take to school on St David’s Day – now, as the seasons change, you could probably pick one on Boxing Day!
