Celebrate National Gardening Week
National Gardening Week is back! Running from 2nd-8th May 2022, this year’s theme is ‘the joy of gardening’. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) each year, it is the nation’s biggest celebration of gardening. According to the RHS it “raises awareness of the difference that gardens and gardening can make to the lives of everyone in the UK. It inspires more people, particularly the next generation of gardeners, to experience the joy of growing and creating beautiful green spaces”.
What are the benefits of gardening?
Gardening has so many wonderful benefits, both physical and mental. It also is one of those rare activities that has benefits beyond just yourself - it can also help your local community and the environment at large.
Physical benefits of gardening
Gardening can be hard work! From more intense exercise such as raking and digging to gentler activities such as weeding and pruning. Consider your garden the most beautiful gym in the world as your bend, stretch, pull and lift, working every major muscle group. There is also a lot to be said for simply being outside. Exposure to the sun increases our vitamin D levels, which is key for keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
Mental benefits of gardening
It’s official - green fingers are good for the soul. Several studies have shown that gardening can increase your self esteem, reduce your anxiety and boost your mood. Horticultural therapy is nothing new, but has seen a growth in recent years as evidence continues to support the value of being outdoors for our mental health, from increasing serotonin and dopamine levels, to developing our confidence and learning new skills.
How to get gardening with the kids
Getting kids involved with gardening can be hugely rewarding. It can be as simple as giving little ones their own watering can. However, if you can get older ones involved with the planning and planting themselves they’ll feel a greater sense of pride and ownership.
Read our blog for more top tips for planting with kids.
Bringing blooms indoors
If you don’t have a garden or outdoor space of your own to nurture, you can still enjoy the beauty of blooms indoors.
House plants
House plants can bring lots of joy and expression to your home. Check out our guide on where to place your plants, and what plants work best in what rooms, from herbs in the kitchen to orchids in the bathroom.
Pressed flower art
If you’re feeling creative, you can go foraging in your local green spaces and create some beautiful pressed flower art for your home. Take a look at our tutorial, including tips on how to forage responsibly.
Looking for a gift for a gardener?
Whether you’re feeling inspired and want to get yourself some tools or garden accessories, or you want to treat the gardening aficionado in your life, here are some of our best selling garden gifts.
Butterfly Garden caravan birdhouse, £19.95
Your Garden butterfly and bee hotel, £19.95
Your Garden gardener’s twine, £4.95
Garden design collections
For some botanical beauty at home, explore these nature-inspired collections from our classic Garden Birds print to our whimsical Fairies in the Garden design for children.
Top left: Wild Flowers design
Top right: Garden Birds design
Bottom left: Butterfly Garden design
Bottom right: Fairies in the Garden design
We'd love to see a picture of your outside spaces! Be sure to tag us in them using #RexLondon.
