Discussion Thread: Gardening isn’t just for old folk.
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Discussion Thread: Gardening isn’t just for old folk.
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I posted over on Instagram this week about gardening not being just for old folk and I’ve had some really interesting conversations, so I thought I’d bring the discussion over here too.
I adore watching gardening shows on TV, they fill me with ideas and inspiration. But have you noticed how the ad breaks are full of adverts aimed at a certain age of person? From over 50s life insurance, cremations, funeral plans and stair lifts, it’s clear gardening is typically associated with those in later life. I sometimes even joke myself that I live as though I’m retired because my favourite way to spend my time is in the garden.
Of course gardening is an incredible hobby for older people but I’d love to see people of all ages being encouraged to give it a go. More encouragement in schools, more green prescribing, more focus on the wonderful healing powers of spending time gardening and in nature on the whole.
I’d love to chat and find out your thoughts and experiences. Have you had people joke that you’re older than you are? Are you retired and wish you’d got into gardening sooner? Do your local schools encourage children to get growing? Hop into the comments section and let me know.
Claire 🍃
Before anyone takes offence, I’m in no way criticising or belittling older people and I hope to be fit and well enough to garden well into my own later years. And for full disclosure I’m 40 later this year. My younger self definitely considered this old but it’s funny how your perception changes as you age!
Discussion Thread: Gardening isn’t just for old folk.
Our local school has a gardening club which I know is very well attended. The children have grown vegetables which they've looked after, harvested and then eaten with their lunches.
Our village has two big allotment plots and there's a huge waiting list I believe. I think the cost of living has encouraged a lot more people to start growing their own. I'm 42 and never considered myself a gardener - still don't in many ways as my knowledge is very limited but I've had to learn as my house came with a fairly large garden!! I think there's maybe been a shift in people's attitudes as the benefits of being outdoors are focused on more for mental health and wellbeing and perhaps it's been one positive from the strange world of lockdowns.
At 39 you’re just a young whippersnapper! 😀