Gardening for mental health

I know from personal observation that when we support and take care of ourselves as best we can, working in a way we love, taking time to rest, having fun our way and really knowing that we matter we can bring our fullest selves to life, our children will be happy and balanced and, essentially, the world becomes a better place for everyone. It’s imperative that we take our wellbeing seriously and show up for ourselves…and making the most of your garden is one great way to do this.

Over the years I have had experience of depression and anxiety and, though I worked on myself in therapy - going on to train and then work as a therapist, on it own it wasn't enough. Accessing nature on a daily basis through walking and gardening has been crucial. Creating a garden has been essential and thrilling and it’s that delight that I want to pass on to you. 

Whatever your situation, whether you are looking for ways to de-stress and rejuvenate or experience your own mental health difficulty, creating a garden is a life - enhancing and joyful thing to do.  Not only will it heighten your pleasure in your home, it offers the joy of a satisfying hobby, time to be on your own and get your hands in the soil (which is scientifically proven to be beneficial) and home-grown flowers and veg as a welcome bonus.

Making a garden doesn’t necessarily come naturally however.  Many of us don’t know how to design a functional and attractive layout or have the knowledge to choose plants that will work in the place they will be planted.   It’s so easy to go to the garden centre and spend a chunk of money only to get home and find it makes little impact. That’s where this blog and Growthfully come in. 

I have resources, ideas, encouragement and inspiration to help you make the most of your outdoor space and enhance your wellbeing whatever type of gardener you are and I will be using this blog to share all that I know.  AND I’d love this to become a community - somewhere we can support each other.  So please sign up to receive it into your mailbox (I will be writing one each fortnight) and also let me know what questions you have and what you’d love me to cover… you can email me at sarah@growthfully.co.uk.  

Can’t wait to hear from you…

Bye for now.

Sarahx