Survey shows gardens are best place to relax

Aug 4 2009 The Journal

BRITAIN remains a nation of garden lovers, with many people believing that spending time among flowers, lawns and trees is important for their quality of life, and is even a way of boosting their love life.

On summer weekends 11 million people will be out digging in beds, tending their plants and mowing the lawn, a report by the National Trust said.

A survey for the Trust, which owns mansions and gardens at Cragside and Wallington in the region, revealed more than 70% of people think spending time in a garden is important for quality of life, and many would rather spend time in their gardens than in front of the TV or going shopping.

When people were asked why gardens were important, the most common response was “to unwind”, while one in three people even think gardens are romantic places which can give your love life a boost.

More than half of the people polled in the Ipsos MORI survey thought Britain was a nation of garden lovers, and four fifths believe children should be taught about gardening and growing plants at school.

Gardening as a pastime is good for the health, the Space to Grow report from the Trust said, with weeding for 30 minutes burning the same amount of calories as a half hour walk, while it can also deliver benefits for those with mental illness. Celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh said: “The message is clear, if you want to feel better get out into a garden.

“Never has access to a garden been more important for our spiritual and physical wellbeing than it is in today’s rapidly changing landscape.”