National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, George Plumptre talks to Ken Crowther about new research that shows a link between winter garden visits and an increase in people’s wellbeing.
Post a comment below and tell us about your experiences of visiting winter gardens. Do you have any favourite snowdrops? >>>
Wellbeing significantly improved after visiting the gardens in winter. Visitors felt more relaxed, happy and excited in the gardens, and less stressed, sad and bored.
The level of wellbeing was similarly high for visitors in winter and summer, suggesting that visiting gardens during either season is likely to carry benefits.
“Existing research generally links the health benefits of garden visiting to the summer months when most gardens are at their abundant best. But our new research highlights the benefits of visiting in winter and, as well as comparing those to visiting in summer, shows how a winter visit helps combat the particular seasonal challenges that we all face at that time of year,” said George.
Visitors particularly liked the plants and flowers that could be found in the gardens during winter. Almost half of all visitors (47.6%) mentioned liking the snowdrops, 29.2% appreciated the emergence of spring growth, and 28.2% the scent of flowers like Daphne.
A third of respondents (33.3%) also appreciated being able to see the structure, design and views of and from the garden, given the lower amount of foliage at that time of year.
Report author, Dr Emma White said: “Our research suggests that visiting a garden in winter can be just as beneficial as visiting in summer, as long as you wrap up warm.
“This is an important finding, as we may notice ourselves getting out in to gardens less during a time which many consider to be dormant. But winter gardens can be full of life and interest. Our survey respondents felt that winter is the perfect time to observe the emergence of new growth and experience the unique joy of spring flowering bulbs. It is a great time to appreciate the structure of a well-designed garden, and respondents noticed lots of wildlife and beneficial natural features.
“So, whatever the season, we should all try to get out into gardens more, observe the plants and nature around us, and feel the benefits,” said Dr White.
Listen to Ken Crowther talk to George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme >>>
Gardens to visit for snowdrops in Essex
Green Island, Ardleigh, near Colchester, Essex – open on Sunday 28 January. For more details click here.
Dragons, near Chelmsford, Essex – open on Wednesday 14 February – pre-book through the National Garden Scheme website by clicking here.
Ulting Wick, Essex – open on Friday 16 February and Wednesday 27 March – pre-booking through the National Garden Scheme website is essential to secure entry to this garden. Click here for more details.
Grove Lodge, Saffron Walden – open on Sunday 18 February and Sunday 25 February – pre-booking through the National Garden Scheme website by clicking here.
More than 3,500 gardens open regularly each year as part of the National Garden Scheme. Find out more about garden openings here.
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