What is your typical day like, when it comes to tending to your garden?
I start every morning whether I am working or not in the garden with a cup of tea even when it’s raining. This gives me time to focus on the day but also remember that the day may bring challenges, but it will pass and there is always tomorrow. I like to potter, deadhead the flowers or sometimes just sit and take it all in. With the allotment it is always the same. I will always head there and take it all in before deciding what the focus of the visit is, whether that’s weeding or a bigger project… I will always start first with a potter. I think that is a great reminder of where we have come so far on our growing journey.
What are some of the benefits of growing your own / how has spending time in the garden and growing your own benefitted you?
Growing my own and spending time at the allotment has gotten me through some personal challenges in life. When things felt hard and overwhelming, the allotment became my thinking space that was safe and protected. As a day job, I am a trained mental health nurse, now working in a leadership role and I am a passionate advocate for mental health. With this in mind, time has taught me to also be kind to myself. As a nurse I have always tried to give my all for patients and sometimes it’s easy to forget yourself. I remind myself that taking some time out for me isn’t selfish, it’s a necessity it allows me to be the best mummy, partner, step mum, nurse, daughter etc I can be. Being mindful and connected to the garden and the allotment allows me time to process and reconnect, and in doing so makes me a better version of me.
What do you think are some of the benefits of gardening for mental health and wellbeing?
The pandemic has shown the effects of isolation and lack of contact with others hugely, and this has had a wide-reaching impact on people’s mental health. For me the growing community both physically at the allotment and virtually through Instagram gave us a platform to remain connected. In times when allotment open days and shows were not allowed to go ahead, accounts like @homegrownwiththehaydons_ connected us all through village fairs and shows virtually. The joy of watching people’s entries and ideas and being able to connect via this platform was really important in remaining connected, and in inspiring hope that “normal” times would return.
Who/what inspires you the most when it comes to gardening?
My pops would be number one as spending time with him in the garden is what in effect inspired my journey with my family, and what better tradition to carry on. In terms of famous people I do love, love your garden watching transformations brought to life for people to suit their family/ life.
What do you enjoy the most about gardening/growing?
Feeling truly immersed in an activity that brings me joy, hope and health… all really important aspects of keeping me healthy and also being able to share this with my family. Also watching a tiny seed you have nurtured and grown end up as the produce on your plate that’s a really cool hobby to have.