I don’t know if it is having a few years of having to spend many months in our homes... but gardening is suddenly become sexy!
Once the preserve of the older generation and Womens Institute members, online searches for DIY garden projects increased by an astonishing 1241% during lockdown.
I think we all know that plants and their scents can boost your mood, however scientists believe that humans find the colour green restful because our eyes see it more easily than other colours.
Scent has a VERY powerful effect on us. Different aromas having the ability to relax or stimulate.
Gardening has major physical benefits, too. As well as the obvious improved cardiovascular health and increased flexibility, studies in Japan have shown that trees and other plants give off phytoncides, essential oils that are believed to have beneficial impacts on our biochemistry.
There’s also a growing understanding that our relationship with soil bacteria may play a surprising part in why we feel good in the garden. That great smell of soil after a particularly heavy rainfall is called petrichor and is caused by bacteria in the earth releasing a chemical called geosmin.. humans are particularly sensitive to this aroma.
Another type f soil bacterium, Myccobacterium vaccae, has been shown to boost levels of serotonin, a chemical in our brains that regulates mood. So you really need to get your hands in the earth and get dirty if you want the full range of benefits! No low maintenance Astroturf, please!
Here is my top, mood booting plants... what are yours?
Lavender
No surprise here, known for its calming properties. Used in dried form for lavender bags and sleep pillows or in essential oils.
Roses
The chemical compound in roses sent is believed to decrease stress.
More than £45,000 has been raised for the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK after a new white rose, named in honour of Dame Deborah James, launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The Dame Deborah James Rose is a stunning new white rose variety introduced by World of Roses and bred by The Harkness Rose Company. The floribunda produces masses of white blooms with a subtle 'ballet slipper pink' centre (as Deborah would describe it), set against dark green, glossy foliage.
More scented plants to lift the spirits
Scented leaf plants, like pelargonium
Soft, touchable leaves that have an invigorating scent.
Narcissus
Planted in September, these give you a taste of sunshine in February, probably when we most need it!
Snowdrops
Herald the arrival of Spring. Always lifts the mood when we spot the little white heads breaking through.
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