Celebrating the Joy of Gardens
Why our gardens mean so much to us – 88% of people say their gardens help with health and wellbeing.
It is well-documented that our gardens have come to mean so much more to us in the last few years, with the recognition of the significant benefits to our health and happiness from our outside spaces. Confirming this, a recent survey conducted by Squire’s Garden Centres, saw 88% of people acknowledging their garden was important to their wellbeing – citing fresh air, exercise, peace, natural light and calm as all key attributes to why our garden space is more important than ever before.
Gardening fosters a deep connection with the natural world, allowing people to appreciate the beauty and intricacies of plants and a welcome distraction from the day-to-day, with an opportunity to immerse ourselves in an uncomplicated environment that can deliver wonderful rewards.
Squire’s survey also highlighted that gardens are important because of people’s genuine love of gardening, with 73% of respondents confirming this. Appreciation of our garden has increased over recent years, with 85% of people saying their interest had risen due to more time being spent at home, 50% of respondents confirming they had introduced a new planting area, 38% had introduced a new wildflower area to attract wildlife and help the environment and 34% declaring they had introduced a special corner of the garden set aside as a seating area for reflection.
In terms of making investments in the garden, more and more people are adding plants, shrubs and trees to their hallowed spaces, with 93% saying these were their biggest purchases for the garden, way above material items such as garden furniture, BBQs and firepits and hot tubs. The survey responses highlight that growing and enjoying plants shows no sign of dipping, with 94% confirming that plants would be their biggest area to invest in the coming year too. A nod to people’s desire to make long term investments in their gardens – as well as the pleasure nurturing plants brings.
Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “Our survey findings substantiate what we have long known, gardening – on whatever scale – allows us to engage with nature, encouraging mindfulness and a real sense of presence. I defy anyone to not spend some time planting or digging and feel a world away from the pressures and distractions of daily life. As stresses and strains increase in the everyday, so the importance of the garden and time spent amongst nature becomes even more relevant to us. Our gardens are a wise investment as they can deliver wonderful rewards and a sense of achievement.”
The unsurprising value of our gardens and the increased connectivity to them is endorsed by Maxime Jones-Lloyd, a Surrey & Sussex Garden Designer and Horticulturalist, commenting: “Amid the hectic pace of modern life, our gardens offer a welcome escape to a tranquil and nurturing environment. No matter the size of a garden or budget available, it is a place in which to find tranquility, peace and beauty; the toiling and tending to plants and growing seeds in the achievement of producing flowers and food is proven to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.”
