The National Garden Scheme – the benefits of gardens to physical and mental health.
Kate Harrison West Sussex National Garden Scheme Publicity Officer
Founded in 1927 by the Queen’s Nursing Institute to raise funds for community nursing means that gardens, health and community are at the heart of what we do at the National Garden Scheme. Every ticket bought, every garden visited, and every cake and cup of tea savoured translates into millions of pounds in donations not only to some of the UK’s best loved nursing and health charities but to garden charities and community projects too.
Scientific studies have shown that spending time in a garden can reduce blood pressure and the stress-related hormone cortisol. Even during the winter months walking around your garden can give you a sense of peace and, as Spring approaches, the first sight of developing buds and bulbs can fill you with anticipation and joy. Gardens provide the perfect space for a break from the stresses of everyday life. Trees, plants, bird song and water are easy on the senses and can bring stress levels down.
Gardens enable you to become more active. Being more active is associated with better physical and mental health, including reduced risks of cancer, heart disease and depression.
Gardens can also provide opportunities for socialising and building relationships with neighbours and opening your garden for the National Garden Scheme for a couple of days a year is a great way to show off all your hard work and make a whole host of new friends.
Of course, not everyone has a garden. However, visiting someone else’s garden can also provide all the above benefits. A garden visit can lift your spirits and help you feel connected. Volunteering at an allotment or community garden such as The Hidden Garden in Selsey, which has recently received a NGS Award, can equally provide that sense of wellbeing and worth.
For more information on the National Garden Scheme and further information on the benefits of gardening for health and wellbeing go to the National Garden Scheme Website. National Garden Scheme Snowdrop gardens opening in West Sussex in February are listed below. Free copies of the Sussex National Garden Scheme Booklet will be available from many local outlets from February.
Thursday 23rd and Saturday 25th February – Buddington Farm
Buddington Lane, Easebourne, Midhurst GU29 OQP
Sunday 26th February (also open for the NGS in April and October) Denmans Garden
Denmans Lane Fontwell BN18 0SU
Wednesday 15th February (also open for the NGS in May) Highdown Gardens
33 Highdown Rise, Littlehampton Road. Goring-by-Sea Worthing, BN12 6FB.
Sunday 19th Feb (also open in March, April and May) Manor of Dean
Tillington, Petworth, GU28 9AP.
By Arrangement from February Mitchmere Farm
Stoughton Chichester, PO18 9JW
Every Thursday from 9th February and by arrangement The Old Vicarage
The Street Washington, RH20 4AS
Submitted to the Storrington Community Website using the News Item contact form.