GARDENING GROW!

Exposure to natural spaces can be restorative

While studying for a qualification in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture a few years ago, my research drew me to reports of experiments observing identical housing schemes built many miles apart, but with variations in landscaping around them. The one with tree-lined streets and green spaces reported much lower crime rates, fewer public health issues, etc. and I couldn’t help thinking how odd it was that a report should need to be commissioned to establish that.

Exposure to natural spaces can be restorative, even if it’s subliminal. More recently I heard that even viewing pictures of natural scenes had a soothing effect. It seems obvious to me. But then it would. Having a connection with nature has always been imperative to me – as far back as I can remember – after all, I’m just a part of nature, not apart from nature.

When I tried Mindfulness it reminded me of gardening, and my mind clearing (instead of weed clearing) when I’d watch a bird tugging on a worm. Did I feel sorry for the worm, being pulled out of the ground or pleased for the bird feeding itself and its young? I was transported, briefly, from all the thoughts that racked my mind. Everything I spot, I link with nature; suspension bridges, spiders’ webs, velvet fabric, thick green moss – it’s endless!

Changing skies create different scenes of the same view, time after time, helped by the seasons, and it feels so personal. So when I can, I find a spot, and use all of my available senses to log what I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise; sounds, smells, breathe and calm. Just pause. With Spring upon us, why not find your connection with nature and grow from within? Growing, photography, art, music – all inspired by nature – if only you seek it!

RICHARD FEDORKO