The Healing Power of Gardening

Let’s be honest, the positive benefits of a life filling with plants are well documented. What could be more rewarding or give more purpose mentally and physically than nurturing a baby plant to adulthood and reaping the subsequent literal fruits of your labour? Plants have a positive impact on mental and physical health, productivity, creativity and general stress levels and have even been proven to improve our physiological wellbeing.

Plants are capable of filtering harmful toxins and general pollution from the air, antimicrobial compounds released by trees and plants actively boost the human immune system. Even the natural microbiome of the soil can positively benefit the human body as certain soil bacteria increase serotonin production in the brain, making people happier and better able to deal with stressful situations. The sheer number of uninitiated gardeners that dived headfirst into growing for both food security and a little slice of sanity during the COVID 19 lockdown this year is testament to the escape and purpose that this pastime can offer in times of crisis. The charity The Lemon Tree Trust has understood better than most the incredible benefits gardening can offer to those in need.