Gardening is Cheaper Than Therapy

Last week, I tuned-in to as much TV coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show that I could. I caught most of an interview between the presenter and a GP about the possible benefits of gardening to patients, particularly those suffering with depression, stress disorders and those requiring cancer rehabilitation. 

I feel very lucky to have a garden myself and have found in the past, when I've been feeling out of sorts, that it has provided me with the escape I've needed from stress or worries. 

Quite apart from the physical work and the benefits of exercise that gardening provides, who wouldn't feel cheered by the rewards of growing beautiful plants and flowers? (or fruit and veggies?)

The abundance of dainty aquilegia/columbines in my garden just now, make my heart happy. I know some people consider these to be weeds, but to me they are a pretty cottage garden plant that I wouldn't be without...

With so much effort required elsewhere in a garden, where's the harm in encouraging plants that are very easy to grow and giving them the space to flourish and multiply?

(Besides, if dandelions are good enough for Chelsea!...)

I love that they self-seed and so surplus plants and the collected seeds can be swapped with friends...

It means that over the years my collection has multiplied, with an assortment of different shaped blooms from the 'granny bonnets' and pompoms, to spurred star shaped examples, in a variety of colours, from deep mauves...

To pretty pinks...

And ruby reds. 

I have them in every area of my garden, from front to back, and they seem happy wherever they are sown. 

Other easy-to-grow lovelies that are living up to that promise, are the nasturtium, marigold and poppy seeds that I sprinkled over a bare patch of ground just a couple of months ago...

Already up and filling out - It won't be long before they are flowering too.

And as the wisteria starts to fade and drop most of it's confetti-like petals to the floor...

I'm enjoying the slightly later clusters of blooms tucked in the shade under the decking...

And on a much smaller scale...

The tiny lily-of-the-valley flowers are making an appearance under the apple trees...

Like fairy lanterns to light the way.

Lots of other more flamboyant stars are bursting forth...

Shhh...

The roses are on their way too :)

Look after yourself,

Niki x

When flowers bloom - So does hope. 

Lady Bird Johnson.