The New Rhs Dictionary Of Gardening

A daily dose of gardening boosts your mental wellbeing as much as running or cycling, a groundbreaking study by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has found.

To celebrate National Gardening Week (Monday 26th April - 2nd May), the world's leading gardening charity surveyed more than 6,000 Brits to find out just how beneficial this horticultural pastime really is — and the findings come as no surprise.

Published in the journal Cities, the RHS found those who gardened two to three times a week had a 4.1 per cent higher wellbeing score, as well as 2.4 per cent lower stress levels compared to those who don't garden at all. Whether you have an urban balcony or spacious lawns, gardening offers no shortage of opportunities for physical and mental boosts.

In more evidence that gardening provides substantial human health benefits, the RHS also discovered that those who gardened regularly also felt less depressed (13 per cent), had more energy (12 per cent) and felt less stressed overall (16 per cent).

'This is the first time the "dose response" to gardening has been tested and the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the more frequently you garden – the greater the health benefits,' says Dr Lauriane Chalmin-Pui, RHS Wellbeing Fellow and lead author.

'In fact gardening every day has the same positive impact on wellbeing than undertaking regular, vigorous exercise like cycling or running. When gardening, our brains are pleasantly distracted by nature around us. This shifts our focus away from ourselves and our stresses, thereby restoring our minds and reducing negative feelings.'

woman with gardening tools, flowers and pots

NinaMalyna Getty Images

Co-author, Dr Ross Cameron of the University of Sheffield, adds: 'This research provides further empirical data to support the value of gardening and gardens for mental restoration and promoting a calmness of mind.

'We also found a greater proportion of plants in the garden was linked with greater wellbeing, suggesting even just viewing "green" gardens may help.'

Elsewhere, the RHS announced it was encouraging the nation to celebrate the power of gardens by getting a daily dose of 'Vitamin G'. With research showing the tangible difference that plants and gardens can make to our mental and physical health, the charity wants Brits to take a few minutes each day to connect with nature.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Love what you're reading? Enjoy House Beautiful magazine delivered straight to your door every month with Free UK delivery. Buy direct from the publisher for the lowest price and never miss an issue!

15 gardening gloves that are durable and comfortable

Best breathable gloves – Gardening Gloves

Burgon & Ball Tweed Gardening Gloves, Medium, Grey

Burgon & Ball johnlewis.com

£17.50

This classic grey pair of gloves has an adjustable strap to keep your hands secure whilst gardening. They also have ultra-soft felt palms and a breathable mesh fabric to help you keep cool when it's warm.

Everyday gloves – Gardening Gloves

Everyday gardening gloves

With non-slip dots for a sure grip and a four-way stretch fit, these everyday gardening gloves keep hands protected from cuts as well as the sun (they have been made with certified 50+ UPF for maximum sun protection).

Best breathable gloves – Gardening Gloves

Leather Gardening Gloves for Women

HANDLANDY amazon.co.uk

£11.99

Coming in at just over £12, these green gloves have a 3D breathable mesh back to keep your hands cool and comfortable. Ideal for the summer months.

READ MORE: 20 best gardening gifts under £35

Multi-purpose gloves – Gardening Gloves

Gauntlet Gloves

gardentrading.co.uk

£20.00

These soft grey suede gloves are great for tasks around the house and garden. Sold in one size, they aim to protect your hands no matter what job you take on.

Microfibre gloves – Gardening Gloves

Microfibre Gardening Glove - Medium

With a microfibre and polyester mix fabric, these green gardening gloves will allow you to weed, prune and plant with ease. As well as being easy to clean, they also have an adjustable velcro strap, too.

Best stylish gardening gloves – Gardening Gloves

Striped Tulip Potting Gloves

Orla Kiely amazon.co.uk

These 100 per cent cotton canvas gardening gloves — featuring Orla Kiely's famous print — are fully lined with elasticated wrists. It's great if you're on the hunt for a stylish option.

Best water-resistant gloves – Gardening Gloves

Showa water repellent gardening gloves 306

Gardening on a rainy day? Well, add these affordable water repellent gloves to the top of your wish list. Fully coated with latex, they offer a powerful grip in both wet and dry conditions.

Large gardening gloves – Gardening Gloves

Gardening Gloves, Green, Large

Royal Botanic Gardens

£11.99

Used and recommended by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, these large gardening gloves have leather palms and durable elastane backs that give a little stretch. Perfect for those hands-on tasks in the garden.

Affordable gardening gloves – Gardening Gloves

Briers Rigger Gloves – Twin Pack

Keep your hands safe from scrapes and cuts in the garden with these large gloves. Made from leather, cotton and polyester, they are great for heavy-duty tasks.

Best for comfort – Gardening Gloves

Everyday gardening gloves

In a soft beige hue, these everyday gardening gloves have been made from a soft, stretch fabric to provide complete comfort. As well as this, the palms and fingers are covered with silicone dots to give you a sure-handed grip.

Denim gloves – Gardening Gloves

Denim Gardening Glove with Gauntlet Cuff

Stylish and practical, these denim gardening gloves protect against sharp thorns, needles, briars and insect bites.

Thorn proof – Gardening Gloves

Leather Gardening Gloves Thorn Proof Garden work gloves

Designed to protect hands against thorns, these leather gardening gloves feature an adjustable rip-tape strap for comfort and a more generous fit. We love the added pop of blue.

Best for pulling out tough weeds - Gardening Gloves

RHS Burgon and Ball flora & fauna gloves

Part of the RHS Flora & Fauna collection, these vibrant bird-printed gloves are great for pulling out tough weeds. They have been made with a soft hardwearing fabric to help you as you get your garden in shape.

Professional gardening gloves - Gardening Gloves

Professional Garden Gloves

Designed to last, these professional garden gloves offer comfort, durability and protection. They also have an extra palm and finger protection, to keep you safe when pruning plants.

Best gloves for harsh jobs - Gardening Gloves

Irwin Heavy Duty Jobsite Gloves L

Irwin wickes.co.uk

£21.70

Looking for a professional pair of gardening gloves to help with heavy-duty jobs? Then this pair is just for you. Designed for harsh application and rough materials, you can be sure that these gloves will protect your hands outdoors.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io