In the UK, an incredible 87% of us have access to a private garden space. And yet many of us that do have such access squander it, whether by letting grass and flowerbeds grow to messiness, or simply not thinking to invest in some useful outdoor furnishings for when we are eventually blessed with warmth and sun. Having access to a garden can be especially important for a family unit, and for a number of reasons too. But what are those reasons?
More Quality Time Outside
It should go without saying that a nice, well-kept garden is more of a joy to spend time in – and that, as a direct consequence of investing in your garden, you’ll find yourself spending much more quality time in it with your family! This is all the more important as the summer months come in, and you’ll be all-the-more thankful for your early efforts in tidying your garden when the summer sun starts beating down.
Gardening, Growing and Learning
Spending more time with your garden is a phenomenal learning opportunity for your kids, and in a number of different ways too. Simply observing the natural cycles in your garden as it stands can be a beautiful introduction to biology and horticulture, and to how ecosystems are built.
You can take things a step further by endeavouring to grow your own fruit and veg, too. Involving your children in the planting of potatoes can show them how agriculture works, and what’s involved in the production of even the most basic foods. In procuring a polytunnel, you can show them how different conditions enable different produce to grow.
Mental Health Benefits
Having a garden to rest and relax in, whether on the weekend or after school, can work wonders for mental health – for parents and children alike. School is a stressful time, and often more stressful than our average working day. Having a peaceful place to take some time afterwards can be positively impactful for your kids, with corresponding impacts on their sleep and school performance.
An Active Summer
Having that space immediately accessible is also going to have an impact on your exercise as a family. This is a simple enough equation; an unkept and overgrown garden will see no swingball played in it over the summer, while a well-kept garden with shade and seating will see a lot of swingball played in it over the summer. As a family, you’ll be far more incentivised to have active fun together, with positive physical and mental health benefits as a result.