I’m a Gardening pro, I know exact time you need outside to boost mental health

It’s not a hospital, or a doctor’s surgery and there’s no lingering antiseptic smell.JoJo Raphael, 54, spent eight years in Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was referred to Thrive as part of his rehabilitation back into society after being discharged from hospital.

Thrive Garden in Battersea is a great place to help you feel better
Thrive Garden in Battersea is a great place to help you feel betterCredit: Oliver Dixon
The Thrive garden welcomes all sorts of clients with health issues.
The Thrive garden welcomes all sorts of clients with health issues.Credit: Oliver Dixon

“Sweeping suits people with dementia as they can see where they’ve been and where they’re going and helps with cognitive decision making.To read my review, and enter, visit www.thesun.co.uk/PALRAMCOMPRobert Dyas Garden Guru Rich Redman said: “Even the simplest of garden tasks can lift your spirit, and just taking a moment to pause, check in with how you’re feeling, and connect with nature is so good for the soul. “I’m happier, I’m thriving, I’m ready to go. I’m learning so much. I find it very calming. Gardening has saved my life”.Water and put it outside in a bright sheltered spot. “Evidence suggests just twenty minutes spent in gardens or the countryside can significantly reduce stress hormone levels. Full T&C’s HERE “We know that being out in the fresh air, surrounded by plants and nature is incredibly beneficial for mental and physical health. 

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Robert Dyas is offering one reader the chance to win a £328 Palram Canopia Ivy Mini Greenhouse. A. Magnolia cuttings don’t have the greatest success rate. Late Spring is the best time, first thing in the morning.

Dragons Den’s Theo Paphitis announces Robert Dyas’ Nominate your community space competition

Choose a non flowering, pencil-thick 15cm stem. Cut just below the leaf joint and immediately pop the end in some rooting powder and into compost. Q. Is there an easy way to take a magnolia cutting and is there a right time to prune it. Mrs Terena Smith, via email.Or write to Sun Palram competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. THERE’S an oasis of calm in a quiet corner of Battersea, South West London – where people go to get better.Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Ends 23.59GMT 27/04/24.They don’t really like pruning, so unless its completely out of control I’d leave it. If it needs it – then mid summer to late Autumn.For more information visit www.robertdyas.co.uk/plant-pauseInstead it’s a ‘Thrive’ charity garden full of scented blooms – helping people prescribed ‘social and therapeutic horticulture’ by their GPs or specialists.

Nominate an outside space through the Plant and Pause Campaign.
Nominate an outside space through the Plant and Pause Campaign.Credit: YouTube/Thrive Charity

Mike’s ‘Thrive’ Story

Government advice says two hours a week outside is perfect for health and wellbeing – so go wild in the great outdoors.

I’M HONOURED to join the judging panel for the Plant and Pause Community Space competition, which includes Robert Dyas owner Theo Paphites, Thrive’s Damien Newman and RHS award winner The Cloud Gardener.
Whether it’s a community garden or space, or charity looking to create a sensory garden, send your nominations to nominateyourspace@robertdyas.co.uk.
We want to see spaces in your local area which have the potential to be transformed for the mental and physical health of your community.Thrive’s CEO, Ben Thomas said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Robert Dyas. 

Visit Robert Dyas to find out more about their campaign
Visit Robert Dyas to find out more about their campaignCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

THIS WEEK’S TIP

Thrive Practitioner Alex McDonald said: “We facilitate people using gardening as therapy and choose tasks that suit the particular person’s interests and ability.

Getting your hands dirty lifts your mood
Getting your hands dirty lifts your moodCredit: Getty

THIS WEEK’S JOB

Across three UK centres, it supports a wide range of clients – from those who have a physical or learning disability, mental health support needs, or autism to people with dementia, heart problems, or stroke survivors. And young people who have social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Getting outside boosts your mental and physical health
Getting outside boosts your mental and physical healthCredit: Oliver Dixon

SAVE!

THRIVE – set up in 1979 – delivers community outreach programmes to schools, hospitals and care homes and more than 600 garden projects.

This outdoor bench is perfect for sitting and taking a moment on
This outdoor bench is perfect for sitting and taking a moment onCredit: Dalby

Now DIY retailer Robert Dyas has joined with Thrive to launch it’s ‘Plant and Pause’ campaign – focussing on the benefits of using your outdoor space to promote good mental health and wellbeing.

This budget bench is perfect for any outside space.
This budget bench is perfect for any outside space.Credit: IKEA

WIN!

‘Happy hormone’ Seratonin is found in soil – so get your hands dirty and improve your state of mind.Last year it delivered 9205 therapeutic gardening sessions, 325 individuals attended centre sessions and 2009 people undertook a training course.”It also doesn’t matter what size space you have, gardening is accessible to everyone of all ages, backgrounds and abilities”Or fill in this FORM WHEN Mike had two heart attacks, and three stents fitted, he lost his self confidence. He was on a lot of drugs and felt tired and weak all the time. Then he came to Thrive.
He said: “The mindset of gardening is all about planning for future things and a sense of optimism, which is really helpful.
“I tier my tasks – so I start with gentle hoeing and if I’m going to double dig an area I will leave that until I’m fully warmed up.
“I also do have ‘slow’ days with a sudden loss of energy.
“ There’s the old saying ‘gardens need a good dose of looking at’ and some days that’s all I do to them.
It’s such a wonderful form of help for people recovering from any situation, or on a journey from where they are now to being somewhere else.”“To improve dexterity or hand eye coordination, we’d choose pricking out seedlings or sowing seeds. Someone with mental health issues might need to burn off excess energy that day so we’d give them a physical job like mulching.

This mini greenhouse is perfect for beginner gardeners or those with limited space
This mini greenhouse is perfect for beginner gardeners or those with limited spaceCredit: Robert Dyas

LEARN!

“We help people feel comfortable in the task they’re doing, which is satisfying and rewarding and helps with self confidence in their every day life.”Or save with this Ikea NÄMMARÖ version for £72.He told Sun Gardening: “It makes me feel that I’m worthy, that I’m part of something. I’m a single man and I haven’t had a relationship for a long time, but I’ve got a relationship with gardening and she does wonders for my mental wellbeing and my physical health.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Take a moment in your garden with this Fern Living Dalby 2-seater bench for £299 from British Garden CentresAnd it’s urging Sun Gardening readers to nominate a community space in their local area which needs transforming – to win £2.5k of gardening equipment.

Beautiful magnolia is blossoming now, but be careful taking cuttings
Beautiful magnolia is blossoming now, but be careful taking cuttingsCredit: Getty

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