To combat lockdown induced anxiety and depression, more and more people are trying their hands at gardening. Gardening and caring for plants has been proven to be incredibly beneficial for both our mental as well as physical health. Gardening reconnects us with nature and makes us think of the bigger picture which can be very helpful in overcoming depression. Being surrounded by nature naturally makes us happier and having our own green space has been evidenced to have positive effects on our mental wellbeing. The act of gardening not only helps us relax and de-stress but watching our plants flower or bear fruits (or vegetables) boosts our self-esteem and confidence.
Gardening with kids also has the additional benefits of helping to instil responsibility and patience in them while giving them a break from technology. It is also a fun and easy way to incorporate exercise into both your daily routines. Moreover, very few things in life will give kids a sense of achievement like harvesting vegetables and fruits from plants they have nurtured themselves.
With temperatures rising in the UK, it is now the perfect time to get to give gardening a shot. We have listed below five inexpensive and low maintenance (read hard-to-kill) plants you can start your gardening journey with.
Get an explosion of colours in your garden with Zinnias.
Have fun with the “impatient” seed pods of Impatiens.
Make an Instagram approved colourful salad with Nasturtiums.
Welcome butterflies to your garden with Buddlejas.
Take a shortcut to a colourful garden with this abundant bloomer covered in fancy leaves- Geraniums.
Start by planting a couple of these plants and see where it leads you! Make sure you read the sunlight and watering requirements on the seed packs to choose plants that would best suit your garden and your lifestyle.
You can shop a wide range of garden tools from Dorset Home Stores that will help get your garden summer-ready. Click here to browse.
Image credit: DHS
Fair for You Good Payers Club (GPC) Members also have exclusive access to Argos gardening tools like the ones below. To access your GPC account and order your gardening tools, click here.
Image credit: Argos
All that’s left is to sit back and catch some sun, basking in the glory of your plant baby achievements. Check out the Dorset Home Stores garden furniture range on the Fair for You website or click here to log into your GPC account and browse the Argos and Dunelm outdoor furniture selection.
Image credit: Argos
Further reading on nature and mental health:
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/ideas-to-try-in-nature