A growing number of Brits are taking up gardening as a way to boost their wellbeing, stay active and maintain a balanced diet.
Waiting lists for allotments are growing across the UK and sales of seeds soared during the first weeks of lockdown.
Edenstone Group community engagement officer Julie Maggs has been enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of the labour of residents of River View Garden Village in Lydney who’ve shared surplus produce grown on their allotments at the development in Lydney.
Other residents say their children have loved learning about, growing and eating fruit and vegetables.
We wanted to share some of the reasons why you should take up gardening – or allotmenteering. From plants on the windowsill to a garden blooming with colour or well-tended allotment full of fresh produce, gardening can be a rewarding hobby for all ages and abilities.
Health
Gardening is a great way to stay healthy in body and mind.
A OnePoll Survey commissioned by the RHS found that more than half of adults enjoy being surrounded by greenery and a further 53% said it boosts their mood.
Gardening can induce a sense of calm while enabling you to be creative. It also offers a functional fitness regime including stretching, weightlifting, and a moderate cardiovascular workout.
Food
As consumers, we’re increasingly aware about where our food from. In terms of steps to reduce our carbon footprint, food miles is a great starting point. Being able to grow your own fruit and veg at home, in the garden or on an allotment close to where you live will mean that for some produce your food miles will be negligible. It will also reduce plastic packaging. Home-grown produce will be fresher than shop-bought. Growing your own will also help you eat a more varied diet of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables.
Children
Gardening is a great activity for all the family. Involving children from a young age by giving them simple tasks such as watering can help them learn to take responsibility. It’s also a way of helping children learn more about the food they eat, where it’s from and hopefully encourage them to try new things. You may even find they enjoy foods they previously refused to eat.
Neighbours
Having a shared interest provides a way to get to know your neighbours. Swapping tips and produce can help break the ice. It can also help grow a sense of community in a new neighbourhood. You could even hold your own produce competition to see who can grow the biggest pumpkin or the tallest sunflower.
Plant the seed for a move to a new home
All new Edenstone Group homes include landscaped front gardens. We let you decide what you want to do with the outside space at the rear.
On selected developments we offer homeowners exclusive access to allotments.
At River View Garden Village in Lydney, Gloucestershire, demand for allotment plots was such that we’ve increased the number of plots.
Allotments will also be available to residents of St Mary’s Garden Village in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.
Find out more about where we’re building via our websites http://edenstonehomes.com and https://www.bluebellhomes.co.uk.
