Gardening is good for you

We always knew it but here is the evidence:

Proof: gardening is healthy

by GEORGE GORDON, Daily Mail

Those with green fingers have long known that gardening is good for you, physically and mentally.

And now it has been proven scientifically. Researchers have found that smelling roses and pulling up weeds can lower blood pressure, increase brain activity and produce a general upbeat feeling.

Even just looking at a garden can give you a positive boost. The evidence is so compelling that the health factor has been given its own name - horticultural therapy - and is being used to treat hospital patients, plan cities and even to calm prisoners in jails.

Horticultural therapists say gardens produce the most positive effects on mental health.

They do this by providing a sense of control - the psychological counter to stress and anxiety. Gardens are also beneficial for stroke patients, those recovering from physical trauma or people with disabilities.

The science is now being used in hospitals and rehabilitation centres in the U.S., where "healing gardens" have been created for patients to look at and walk through.

Doctors and nurses are also using the leafy retreats to cope with daily life-and-death crises.

"For patients who find themselves restricted by a disability, even the simplest gardening experience - such as growing a potted plant from a cutting - gives them a feeling of control," said Teresia Hazen, who oversees horticultural therapy programmes in Oregon.

"Gardening, more than most rehab activities, has the ability to be very distracting. Simply by taking people's minds off their problems can alleviate pain and depression."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-193859/Proof-gardening-healthy.html#ixzz414r4NdXR

 So, here’s a garden to look at although I suspect we will be looking at our own this week

 Entrance to Felley Priory

Next Meeting:

4^th March:  Forum.  Discuss your problems, successes,  hopes and dreams; preferably garden-related.