Psychologists say gardening provides physical exercise, burns calories, lowers blood pressure, calms the mood and relieves stress. You might feel anxious and isolated while estranged from friends and family but you can reap benefits by spending time in your garden.
Pat Featherstone of Soil for Life, a public benefit organisation that teaches people to grow their own food, says: “A garden brings visual pleasure and a sense of accomplishment. It brings a family together.”
Celebrity florist Jill Manson, who presents a flower therapy course for healing, says flowers can brighten our disposition and lighten the load.
“Bring the garden indoors and use flowers and foliage to make up a personal bouquet. Use what you have available and choose flowers and colours that resonate with you.”
Nurture and grow plants
Create a place outdoors where you can serve meals and enjoy fresh air.
Nurture and grow plants. Many plants can be grown from cuttings, like succulents, pelargoniums and spekboom. Reuse food and coffee tins for planting.
You can also root some plants in a jar of water. Try avocado (pit), salvia (stem), ivy (stem) and African violets (leaf). Change the water frequently.
“Make an arrangement with herbs,” advises Manson. “Herbs are healing and their scents can have a calming effect.”
Pansies and violas can be used in salads. Try peppery nasturtiums or citrus-like marigolds. Decorate a cake with sunflowers. Wash flowers well before use. Never use flowers if you aren’t sure they’re safe to eat.
Enjoy nature at home by encouraging feathered friends to visit. Keep overripe fruit for your bird table and add fresh water to a birdbath daily.