Local Life - Wigan - August 2020

48 Gardening
Award Winner
The joy of
Gardening
by Angie Barker
There is no getting away from the fact that we
have all been through a really tough time over
the last few months. One of the things that has
kept me going, and indeed from what I am
hearing, keeping a lot of people going, is being
able to get out into the garden and connect
with the natural world.
Many studies have proved the health benefits
of gardening. As well as being good for your
physical health, it also makes you feel good.
It is fantastic all round exercise and it brings a
real sense of well being. Research has shown that it
relieves mental illnesses such as depression. I have
even heard of doctors ‘prescribing’ it to their patients.
You appreciate the workings of nature, wildlife and
the seasons in a way that you just wouldn’t notice if
you were sat inside. And that makes you feel good.
And what better way to encourage your children
away from computer games by showing them how
much enjoyment can be had from being outside in
the garden and growing plants and food.
Physically gardening activity can lower blood
pressure through aerobic activity. It involves
muscular activity which keeps you strong. We all
know that being outside in the fresh air is good for
body and soul. As I often say to hubby, if you want to
decline into old age, then stay sat on your back side!
I read recently that the numbers of people watching
TV programmes such as Gardener’sWorld has
rocketed during the lock down period and that
demand for on line sales of plants and seeds has
outstripped supply. The generous weather we’ve
had has enabled people, who perhaps previously
did not have the time, or inclination to spend time
in their gardens, has changed their outlook. Even
if you don’t have a garden, immense pride comes
from growing plants in a container on a balcony. If
anything good can come out of the horrible times
we’ve had, I like to think it is this. That increasing
numbers of adults and children are realising the
pleasure and joy that gardening can bring, and I
hope that continues well after we are back to our
normal daily lives.
Angie is a qualified
award-winning garden
designer who will
plan your garden to
your needs from start
to finish, supplying
reputable contractors
and the ideal plants.
Call Angie now for your free consultation!
Angie Barker Dip GD
(Inst GD) BA (Hons)
Garden Design For All Seasons
Tel: 01942 522 405
Mob: 07857 008 383
Award Winner
www.angiebarker.co.uk