Sowing the Seeds for Wellbeing – Our friends at the Burpee Europe team are committed to developing tasty, disease-resistant vegetables, fruit and blooms for use by home gardeners across the UK. The enabling and encouraging of the cultivation of gardens offer a myriad of benefits to individuals and communities….one of these is that of well-being.
Gardening and the positive aspects it offers to one’s physical and mental health are not a secret. The fresh air and exercise coupled with the satisfaction of nurturing plants bring a happy release of serotonin and endorphins. But which seeds should you sow and why?
Garden of Joy
For an instant boost of happiness, nothing delights quite like a bed of flowers with bright, cheerful faces. If these blooms bring bees and butterflies flocking to your garden all the better! If you are looking for a surefire way to keep your spirits up, simply surround yourself with gorgeous blooms that bring you joy for weeks!
Try the Sunflower ‘Sunray’ (Yellow – the colour of hope & joy)
Or should we call it, Sunflower ‘Hurray’, for this is what you will feel like shouting every time you look at them! Every garden, big or small, has room for this sunflower in patio containers or beds and borders.
Another wonderful species is the Tagetes Erecta ‘Olleya’ (Orange – the colour of warmth, kindness & happiness)
This Fleuroselect Novelty Award Winner will offer outstanding performance in patio containers and garden beds, blooming from July until the first frost!
World Herb Garden
If you are not going abroad this summer for a relaxing holiday, don’t panic, you can fulfil your wanderlust at home! With herbs, you can sow a holiday health spa in your own backyard! Nothing nourishes the soul like aromatic and beautiful plants and with the added physical health benefits of gardening, this is a win-win solution!
We love the Basil ‘Batik’ (Green & Purple – the colours of nature and nobleness)
Tasting this gorgeous variety will allow your mind to drift to the beaches of Asia. Not only is the flavour of Batik delightfully aromatic and perfect for curries, soups and even ice cream, but the flowers also bloom late in the season, offering an autumn show of splendour.
As well as the Basil ‘Spicy Sabre’ (Green – the colour of growth & freshness)
Research has found that certain compounds in herbs such as basil can help to alleviate anxiety and depression. This unique cultivar with bright green sabre-like serrated leaves and has a distinct spicy taste.
Growing your own herbs can be incredibly rewarding and beneficial. Here are some reasons to consider growing your own herbs:
Freshness and flavour: Growing your own herbs ensures you have access to the freshest flavours. Freshly harvested herbs have vibrant aromas and intense flavours that can enhance your culinary creations.
Cost savings: Herbs can be quite expensive when purchased from the grocery store. By growing your own, you can save money in the long run. A single plant can yield an abundant supply of herbs throughout the growing season, providing you with a constant source of flavour without the need for frequent purchases.
Variety and customisation: You have the freedom to choose from a wide variety of options beyond the standard herbs found in stores. You can experiment with unique and uncommon varieties, tailoring your herb selection to suit your preferences and culinary needs.
Health benefits: Not just flavourful additions to your dishes, herbs also offer various health benefits. Many have medicinal properties and can be used for natural remedies. For example, mint and chamomile can aid digestion, while lavender and lemon balm can promote relaxation and calmness.
Convenience and availability: How convenient, to have access to fresh herbs whenever you need them. You no longer must worry about running out of herbs or making last-minute trips to the grocery store. Simply step outside and harvest the herbs you need.
Learning and gardening experience: What better way to develop your gardening skills and expand your knowledge of plants? Herbs are generally easy to grow, making them ideal for beginners. It’s an opportunity to learn about different growing conditions, propagation techniques, and how to care for plants.
Aesthetics and fragrance: Herbs can add beauty and fragrance to your garden or indoor space. Many herbs have attractive foliage and flowers, making them visually appealing. They can also release pleasant scents that can enhance the ambience of your home or garden.
Whether you have a large garden or a small windowsill, enjoy the benefits of growing your own!
Lilly Light