Sunday is Garden Day: Enjoying and sharing your planted paradise
* Gardeners and florists the happiest of all professions Research by UK economist and behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan found that gardeners and florists are the happiest of all professions Z much happier than people in better paid and prestigious jobs. A behavioural research study conducted by Dr Nancy Etcoff of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reveals that, when fresh cut flowers are present in the home, people feel more compassionate toward others, have fewer worries and anxiety and feel less depressed. South Africans of all stripes are joined by their common love of gardens. That’s why we’re celebrating the first ever Garden Day this Sunday, 9 October. Patio potters, veggie farmers, dahlia aces, guerilla gardeners, mink and manure dames and green-fingered folk, in general, are all invited to enjoy this day in your own backyard, at your neighbour’s urban farm or even on a balcony with geraniums overlooking the city … It doesn’t really matter what size your garden is, what’s important is to appreciate your very own version of a planted paradise and share it with friends and neighbours. Garden Day is intended to bring us together to appreciate one of life’s simplest but most profound pleasures.
* Gardeners and florists the happiest of all professions
Research by UK economist and behavioural scientist Professor Paul Dolan found that gardeners and florists are the happiest of all professions Z much happier than people in better paid and prestigious jobs.
A behavioural research study conducted by Dr Nancy Etcoff of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reveals that, when fresh cut flowers are present in the home, people feel more compassionate toward others, have fewer worries and anxiety and feel less depressed.
South Africans of all stripes are joined by their common love of gardens. That’s why we’re celebrating the first ever Garden Day this Sunday, 9 October. Patio potters, veggie farmers, dahlia aces, guerilla gardeners, mink and manure dames and green-fingered folk, in general, are all invited to enjoy this day in your own backyard, at your neighbour’s urban farm or even on a balcony with geraniums overlooking the city … It doesn’t really matter what size your garden is, what’s important is to appreciate your very own version of a planted paradise and share it with friends and neighbours. Garden Day is intended to bring us together to appreciate one of life’s simplest but most profound pleasures.
Most of the year we plant, water, weed and mulch – work, in other words. Now, here’s a day where we can reap the rewards of all labour. Toss down that spade, invite family and friends around, kick back and appreciate the varied reasons why making a garden is so worthwhile!
According to various studies, gardening lowers blood pressure and increases brain activity. It combats stress and anxiety more effectively than any other kind of leisure activity – including reading! It also alleviates depression. Gardening can help us recuperate faster. Remarkably, it even seems to calm prisoners in jail. People who garden tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and the same is true for kids who garden at home or at school.
To see what you can do on Garden Day visit www.gardenday.co.za or send an email to info@gardenday.co.za.
