Gardening is good for you
05 October 2009
A report has found that 70 per cent of the population believes that spending time in gardens is more important for their quality of life than in front of the television or shopping.
The report ‘Space to Grow: Why People Need Gardens’’ argues that gardens and other green spaces are crucial for food security, wildlife and even tackling climate change.
Stephen Daye from Carrickfergus Borough Council welcomed the report that gardening is good for physical and psychological health. “I am delighted that this report has highlighted how gardens and gardening can benefit everyone in society, regardless of age, background or circumstance,” he said.
Mr. Daye continued "The message is clear, if you want to feel better get into gardening. Never has access to green space been more important for our spiritual and physical wellbeing than it is in today's rapidly changing world."
"Carrickfergus Borough Council provides over 125 hectares of parks, green space areas, allotments, wildflower meadows, countryside and shoreline walks, woodlands, floral displays and playgrounds. Council initiatives such as Carrickfergus in Bloom and the School Growing Clubs are excellent examples of bringing the benefits of gardening to residents of the Borough."
"In today's fast-paced world, finding space and time to unwind and relax is becoming ever more crucial. Nowhere does this better than the quiet corner of a garden or park that give us the chance to breathe in our natural surroundings and refresh our weary spirit. I am passionate about the idea that everyone should have access to a garden or local green space." concluded Mr. Daye
Eden Allotment Gardener Carrie Gault agrees. "Gardening and growing your own food is not just good for the environment but good for the soul. There is a fair choice of foods on sale in the supermarkets" explained Carrie. But growing her own food means that she does not have to visit a supermarket as often.
Standing in her allotment on a fine, sunny afternoon, Carrie is proud at what she is able to produce. "I’ve had my allotment for two years now, she said. Her allotment boasts carrots, leeks, potatoes, spinach, chard, beans, butternut squash, summer squash, courgettes, various berries and beetroot. We don’t have to buy salad throughout the summer, she said, and it’s nice to be able to give some of our produce away to family and friends."
Carrie Gault runs the blog ‘growourown.blogspot.com’
For further information please contact:
Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer.
Telephone: 028 9335 8039
E-Mail: greenspace@carrickfergus.org