This time of the year, it can be a little daunting trying to come up with interesting topics about gardening. So this week I did a little digging on the internet instead of the ground for some ideas. I came across an interesting report from the United Kingdom, “Why doctors are prescribing gardening for anxiety and depression, instead of medication”.

The headline caught my attention and the article went on to say that spending time outdoors and surrounding yourself with greenery and living things can be one of life's great joys and recent research also suggests it's good for your body and your brain as well. Scientists have found that spending two hours a week in nature is linked to better health and well being.

In the UK, the National Health Services (NHS), patients are increasingly being prescribed time in nature and community gardening projects as part of “green prescriptions”. In Shetland for example, islanders with depression and anxiety may be given “nature prescriptions”, with doctors there recommending walks and activities that allow people to connect with the outdoors.

Social prescriptions (non-medical treatments which have health benefits) are already used across the NHS to tackle anxiety, loneliness and depression. They often involve the referral of patients to a community or voluntary organizations, where they can carry out activities which help to meet their social and emotional needs, and increasingly doctors are opting for community gardening, as this also has the added benefit of involving time spent in nature, even in highly urbanized areas.

The evidence base for such treatments is growing, with research indicating that social prescribing can help to improve patients' anxiety levels and general health. Findings also seem to suggest that social prescribing schemes can lead to a reduction in the use of prescribed medications and NHS services. Research shows that gardening can directly improve people's well being.

And that taking part in community gardening can also encourage people to adopt healthier behaviors. It may be, for example, that neighborhood projects can be reached on foot or by bicycle, prompting people to take up more active transport options in their daily lives. Eating the produce from a community garden may also help people to form the habit of eating fresh, locally grown food.

Even though we are not in an urban area, we do have some community gardens around Sullivan County, one of which is right down by the Corner in Eldred. Lou Monteleone started the garden years ago and it still grows crops yet today.

Of course being January it will be a long time before we can get our hands in the ground, but all good things come to those who wait. And look on the bright side, the days are getting longer and the 2020 seeds are in.