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In times of uncertainty and economic challenge, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday life. But amidst the noise and worry, gardening offers a return to what truly matters – connection, purpose and community.
National Gardening Week will be celebrated from October 20 to 27 and has adopted the theme Communities in Bloom.
Yates spokesperson Fiona Arthur says the aim is to make communities better through gardening, which fosters social connection, improved mental health, and nurturing of green spaces and natural beauty, as well as providing a means of growing food for freshness and financial freedom.
“Connecting with your community through gardening is important on many levels,” Arthur says. “Growing food and flowers is one part of it, but sharing knowledge and friendships are also key.
“The physical and mental health benefits around spending time in the garden have been long proven and you don’t need a quarter acre section to reap those benefits. Creating a productive garden in a small space is absolutely possible – whether it is pots on the balcony or in the courtyard.
“Flowers are important for your garden’s overall health with many acting as pest deterrents and attracting VIP (Very Important Pollinators) insects. Look after your flowers and they’ll look after your vegetables.”
Ten reasons to grow flowers
1 Improved mood and reduced stress and anxiety
2 Attracting beneficial insects and pollinators like bees and butterflies
3 Pest deterrence – some flowers such as marigolds and nasturtiums can help deter common garden pests, reducing the need for pesticides
4 Fresh cut flowers throughout the year
5 Improved sleep quality – scented flowers such as lavender and gardenia can help promote relaxation and potentially aid in falling asleep
6 Air purification – flowers absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality
7 Soil health improvement
8 Edible – some flowers such as nasturtium, viola and borage are edible and add delightful colour to dishes
9 Medicinal properties – some flowers have well recorded therapeutic benefits such as calendula for skin issues and wound healing, echinacea for immune support and lavender for calming and supporting skin health
10 Celebrate the seasons through connection to nature and its cycles
Gardening Giveaway
Mahurangi Matters, in conjunction with Yates, is inviting readers to enter the National Gardening Week competition. One lucky reader will win a hamper valued at $225, packed with great gardening supplies including a colourful selection of Yates Small Garden vegetable and flower seeds, granular feeds, fast-acting liquid fertilisers for a powerful boost during peak growing season, and lots more. To enter, email gm@localmatters.co.nz, with ‘Gardening Hamper’ in the subject line. Entries close midday on Thursday October 23.
