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Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about how our gardens can move us to a place of peace. While gardens mean different things to all of us, it’s when I venture into these tranquil spaces that I truly get a sense of their calming and healing power, and I find that hugely enriching. Most gardens and landscapes naturally come with a real feeling of gentleness – from the choice of flowers and plants, to gentle sweeps and curves that guide the eye onwards, to a softness and subtlety that may be a world away from some of the physical or emotional struggles we are going through; and I feel it is this dramatic contrast that really transports someone back to a place of comfort, even if just for a little while. What is also really important for me when I visit gardens at hospices and hospitals, is the reminder that these spaces are not just for those who are residents. They also give hope, clarity, peace and a sense of calm to visiting families and, most importantly, the people who work there. Certainly, with everything that has happened over the past couple of years with Covid, and the realisation that we need to consider and protect workers and staff who look after us, I would like to think those on the frontline can wrestle back their own sense of contentment when soaking up the fresh air and beauty of a garden, where they can move away from a job that’s very hard and emotionally draining.
I would like to see more attention given to gardens and outdoor spaces in our health institutions, and in workspaces in general. They are more important than we imagine. Simple sweeps of flowers, plants and foliage are inspiring; the sight of an olive tree can move our minds to far-off places; and we all know how calming a cascade of water can be. It’s all very peaceful and there’s nothing complicated or frenetic. Gardens are evolving, living things that are always changing – in fact they’re much like us in that respect! For me, on those days where I feel everything’s a bit fraught and frantic, and when I just can’t get to grips with anything, I go to sit in the garden or potter about to find myself, and it really works! Life is a compromise, and you can’t always be on top of things, but gardens truly prove to me the healing qualities that exist within nature, and we’re so fortunate to have them.
