Squire’s Garden Centres recently ran a survey in which 93% of people questioned said that gardening was a “lifesaver” during lockdown in spring. With the second national lockdown in place, getting out in the garden is going to be just as important to people’s mental health and wellbeing this time around.
Gardening is good for the mind, body and soul. It gets you outside in the fresh air, it’s great exercise, and improving the look of your garden will definitely cheer you up. Gardening is also a fantastic way to relax and de-stress. 78% of people questioned in Squire’s survey said that gardening gave them a sense of achievement, 75% felt calm and relaxed, and 66% said gardening makes them feel happy.
With garden centres remaining open throughout lockdown here are some ideas of what you can get up to in the garden:
Plant
Now is the perfect time to plant, as the soil is still warm from the summer sun and moist from autumn rain.
- Winter colour – put life back into your beds & containers with violas, pansies and cyclamen
- Herbs - for your Christmas dinner, sage, thyme or parsley would all be good
- Vegetables – try easy to grow cabbage, kale, onions, Brussel sprouts, broad beans or peas
- Bulbs - for spectacular colour next spring
Projects
- Tidy – sweep the leaves, clear out the shed, clean pots and garden furniture
- Prune – fruit trees and shrubs to encourage more fruit and flowers next year
- Mulch – to help soil retain moisture and to keep weeds away
- Protect - plants in containers by ensuring pots have drainage holes in the bottom, and stand them on pot feet so that excess water drains away
- Encourage wildlife – feed birds & hedgehogs, build or a buy a bug house or hedgehog home
Make The Most Of Your Outdoor Space
- BBQ - Have a winter BBQ
- Blankets - Keep cosy blankets to hand to ensure that you are warm and snug
- Lights - Add sparkle to your garden with solar lights
- Outdoor Heating - Buy a firepit, chimenea or patio heater for style and warmth
- Colour - Add instant colour to your garden with ready-planted pots and containers
“Gardening was undoubtedly a lifesaver for many people during the first lockdown,” said Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres.
“Following the latest government announcement of the new national restrictions, our garden centres and Food Halls, along with other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open.
"We are delighted that the government recognises the benefits of gardening in supporting physical and mental wellbeing.
"So whether you need help with your gardening projects, want to attract more wildlife in your garden, brighten up your pots with some lovely autumn colour, or need food for your pets, then Squire’s Garden Centres are here for you 7 days a week with free parking.
"Our number one priority is the safety of our teams and customers and we will continue to operate with our strict Covid-19 secure measures.”