The health benefits of planting
The last few months have been challenging for all of us, but there are lots of ways to combat stress and anxiety from the comfort of your own home.
Gardening and planting is a proven remedy for poor physical, social, and mental health – and you don't even need a garden to benefit.
We asked Shinobu, Silva's tree inspector, how she got into gardening and why she enjoys it so much.
"Gardening is really satisfying. From a young age, I have always loved growing and looking after plants, especially ones that can be used for cooking, tea and cutting flowers. The best thing about gardening is that you don't need lots of space or tools. All you need is a small corner, a plastic bottle, or old tins and pots. I have tried that method with some avocado seeds. I just put them into pots after eating the fruits as an experiment and was pleasantly surprised that it grew so well.
"My friends always laugh about this, but I enjoy homemade herbal coffee in the morning. You can pick some lavender flowers, mint stems or whatever you like, and put some in your pot when making coffee. It creates something different, unique, and fun. Not to mention, the best part is when you taste what you have grown. It tastes great and feels rewarding.
"The best thing about gardening is that you don't need lots of space or tools. All you need is a small corner, a plastic bottle, or old tins and pots."
"Since my partner and I could not go outside much, we decided to transform our garden into a wildflower garden and took some parts of the patio out. So, until the wildflower seeds arrive, it will be a patch of bare ground and we thought we could temporarily group some vegetables and fruits for fun. We sowed some green been, radishes, rockets, potatoes, carrots, beetroots, spinach, and marigolds (which came with the magazine) into old pots and trays at the beginning of May. They have been growing and growing and it made us happy when we saw the first leaf popping out of the soil.
"Gardening brings additional topics to your family's dinner time conversation and it gives you the opportunity to go outdoors under the sun. It makes you feel calm when you water the plants or smell the wet grass and soil. It is my idea of some 'me' time. Sometimes you may see some birds, bees, and beautiful butterflies while you are out which can bring a smile to your face and brighten your day. I think gardening brings you happy energy and I would definitely recommend it for your wellbeing."