Inside the trend – gardening for healing
Gardening has long been a popular pastime in the UK, but in recent years more and more people are seeking solace in their outdoor spaces during tough times. In recognition of this, the Chelsea Flower Show is this year themed on the restorative power of gardens, showcasing how gardens can contribute to the health and wellbeing of both individuals and the environment.
We take a look at why gardening is being reframed as a wellness activity and share some of the books on this topic that can work well in a range of retail settings.
What’s it all about?
Gardening has a long connection to science and medicine. Gardens have not only provided the food we eat but also natural remedies for common ailments. But there is also a wealth of growing research to prove that connecting to gardens and green space contributes to better mental and physical health. With this knowledge, people are turning to the garden for a wellbeing boost, shifting how we think about our outdoor spaces.
Why now?
Modern life offers plenty of stressors, from post-pandemic fallout to climate change anxiety. The ability to escape into nature within our own home patch is an essential tonic to all of that. Healing has never been more needed, and gardening is an accessible way to benefit from nature. For people without outdoor space, houseplants and windowsill gardens can be utilised for wellbeing too. And since 2019, the NHS has offered gardening as part of its social prescribing initiative, ensuring that those in the most need can access the natural world in their local communities.
How can I incorporate it into my range?
May's Chelsea Flower Show will put gardening in the spotlight, so now is an excellent time for garden centres or gift shops to refresh gardening book ranges with any emerging themes from the Show. This topic is not just for gardeners. Book ranges that already highlight wellness, mental health or outdoors topics could incorporate this theme, and products related to foraging, nature and outdoors activities will complement nicely too. These books are a natural fit for any retailers selling plants or flowers, providing a handy item to upsell to customers already sold on the idea of embracing a more natural lifestyle.
Book suggestions
Gardening for Mind Body and Soul
A practical guide for people interested in using gardening to boost their health and wellbeing.
The Healing Power of Flowers
A book for understanding the traditional meanings and benefits of different flowers to help people make better informed choices when choosing different species for gifting, growing or home decorating.
The Garden Apothecary
A pretty illustrated guide to help readers safely identify the plants in your garden for edible treats, herbal cures or beauty products.
The Wilderness Cure
A memoir of one women’s experience living off free foraged food for a year and how she learned not just how to survive but how to thrive.
Mindful thoughts for Gardeners
The garden can be the perfect place to be mindful and this book is the ideal accompaniment to help gardeners find their moments of zen.
The Well-gardened mind
Illuminates the links between wellbeing and nature through brilliant stories of people who have sought recovery from mental illness and trauma through gardening.
