Gardening is good for you. In fact, it’s so good that Norway introduced it over 10 years ago as an activity as part of the national dementia care plan. How is gardening helping dementia patients? Researchers have noticed significant cognitive benefits, not only in dementia patients but in all individuals who spend time gardening.
We also knew about the physical benefits of managing a garden, as well as the positive mental health effects of looking after plants. But it turns out that scheduling regular time working on the soil also supports memory and executive function.
And this brings us to a key challenge that many Britons face: If gardening is so good for us, why are our gardens so small?
With properties getting smaller and gardens shrinking in many urban areas, it’s time to be creative if you still want to enjoy all the goodness of gardening on a small scale.
Vertical gardens
Ultimately, when the space is limited on the horizontal plane, it may be worth thinking about it vertically.
Vertical gardens can let you grow a variety of plants, from flowers, greenery, and even small vegetables, even if you are working with a small area. These are best suited for narrow outdoor courtyards and garden walls. It’s worth noting that a vertically mounted garden will have a significant weight load, so this isn’t something you should be considering for your fences. But, they are fully suitable for solid walls.
They can also add a decorative aspect to your outdoors, which can elevate the look and feel of your property.
Raised beds
Raised beds can be a game-changer, especially in newly built properties that have not only a small garden surface but also compact soil that may be crammed with rubble. It’s generally difficult to grow anything in this type of soil because there’s no space for roots. So, a good alternative for many homeowners is to build raised beds, using garden sleepers for support and nutritious compost for plant growth.
What do Britons prefer growing in raised beds?
Flowers are a favourite choice, but more and more households are looking into sturdy vegetables that can be easily harvested, such as salads and green beans. Raised beds are versatile enough to accommodate a variety of purposes and plants.
They can also work well with small shrubs and decorative trees, especially if used to frame paths.
Potted plants
Can looking after plants in pots deliver the same benefits as looking after soil-planted greens? The answer is yes, and in many ways, the benefits can be greater as pots can be safely stored indoors during the colder months, which encourages all-year-round gardening activities.
Pots can also add a decorative element to the garden, especially high-quality clay pots that can last for years. With choices from seasonal bulbs to permanent plants, home gardeners can truly create an ever-growing garden display that remains interactive and interesting throughout the year. This also provide an manageable environment, where it’s easy to improve soil quality and nutrients.
Do modern-day gardeners still enjoy gardening activities? Absolutely, and Britons have shown they can be creative problem-solvers to make the most of the space available.
