We live in a fast-paced, technology driven world and it is being increasingly recognised that we are becoming less connected with nature and the ebb and flow of the seasons. There is a growing recognition that this is to our detriment.

Doctors in many countries around the world, including New Zealand and USA are giving their patients ‘green prescriptions’. The idea is taking hold here, with the potential to save the NHS a significant amount of money. So instead of walking out of the surgery with a bottle of pills, you could be encouraged to join a green gym or perhaps visit and go for a stroll around one of the many stunning gardens that our area has to offer.

Being in nature is therapeutic but connecting with it through gardening is even more beneficial. Gardening is the perfect metaphor for life and the struggles of our times. We are always trying to recruit new members into our cult of happiness, but what is it that provides this sense of emotional wellbeing?

A sense of responsibility, a useful way of appreciating our relationship with nature and reinforcing them that we must look after it.

It teaches us to nurture and have hope for the future. We plant seeds, we look after them and they grow out of the darkness toward the light. As our seedlings grow, so does a sense of pride and our self esteem is boosted.

Gardening helps us relax and let go, it can be the ultimate escapism from the worries of the world. As Freud rightly said ‘Flowers are restful to look at. They have no emotions or conflict’. There is a rhythm to gardening that can be comforting and provide security. The act of weeding, sowing or sweeping can be a moving meditation, as we immerse ourselves in the task at hand.

The release of happy hormones. Gardening is a physical activity and it is worth remembering that just like nature, we are holistic, what is good for the body is good for the mind. Serotonin and dopamine (associated with positive feelings) increase and cortisol (stress hormone) lowers. We feel a sense of peace. Research carried out by Dr. Chris Lowry, at Bristol University, suggests that a type of bacterium (Mycobacterium vaccae) that naturally occurs in soil and is absorbed via the skin, boosts serotonin and therefore increases happiness!

Gardening is the ultimate mindfulness activity, we can use this time to actively become aware of our senses, to really see, listen, smell and touch.

We can express and reconcile our emotions through gardening. A good pruning session, where we cut and chop does wonders for releasing pent up anger and frustration! For those who are feeling anxious, gardening can give us back a sense of control over things.

I often hear people proclaim to me that they don’t have green fingers. Gardening is a skill like any other, it can be learnt. It is a most forgiving discipline too, as if something doesn’t grow as you intended, there is always another opportunity to try again next year! There are many courses here at Bridgwater College to try, contact: 01278 455464.

Here at The Walled Gardens of Cannington, we are running in partnership with Kris Scotting Ltd a social and therapeutic gardening project called Seed of Hope. It is for people experiencing mental health problems and uses the elements intrinsic to gardening to support people to recover and lead a fulfilling future. To find out more email: kris@seedofhope.org.uk.