Since the pandemic, the importance of getting outside in the fresh air and engaging in some form of exercise has been well documented.
Gardening involves a variety of our body's exercise requirements. Whilst walking helps with aerobic fitness, the bending, lifting and pulling actions required work all major muscle groups giving an all-around workout.
For those not lucky enough to have their own space community gardens have evolved across the country — giving local residents the chance to join with their neighbours to grow flowers, food and plants on areas of otherwise unused land.
Community spaces have the added benefit of meeting with others and promoting and contributing to conservation and sustainability in your local area. Contact your local council to see if there are already spaces available or if others have registered an interest in being involved in such a project.
Many flowers, fruits and vegetables can be grown in small spaces. So window boxes, balconies and patio pots are all good options and will still be of benefit.
In addition, the time spent outdoors will increase the amount of Vitamin D which you absorb naturally. This is particularly important for maintaining good bone health.
If you need some inspiration then visiting local and botanical gardens will give you some guidance. There are plenty of garden centres that give great help and advice on what will grow well depending on where you are and the type of land you have. Country living identified seventeen of the best gardens in the Uk which include Kew Gardens, Ventor Botanic Garden and Mottisfont in Hampshire. A visit will definitely give some inspiration.
If you really want to get stuck in then why not take a course? The Centre of Excellence offers some great options to get you started. These include:
Organic gardening
Herb Gardening
Urban Food Gardening
Gardening and Landscape Design Business
Homesteading
Gardening offers so many options. A great way to improve both mental and physical well-being. A chance to be a part of something special. To engage in volunteering or just develop your own space in which you can take much pleasure and satisfaction. The ability to create something beautiful in a world so often filled with distress, hardship and sadness.
Centre of Excellence — Gardening Courses: https://www.centreofexcellence.com/search?s=gardening
Static Space - Setting up a community allotment: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56d495b8b09f9572538bf718/t/570cb312e707eb4ed21e6c7e/1460450082741/cc_allotmentguide_output.pdf
Country living Magazine - 17 Great Gardens to visit in the UK: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/travel-ideas/staycation-uk/g33803892/uk-gardens/
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