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25 plants to boost your mental health and happiness
- 1/26
25 plants to boost your mental health and happiness
In honour of World Mental Health Day (Sunday 10th October), Squire's Garden Centre has uncovered the best plants to boost your mental health. From low-maintenance houseplants to pollinator-friendly blooms, these can all mend anxious and stressful minds.
According a survey of nearly 2,000 people conducted by the nursery, 94 per cent said that gardening was good for their mental health, while 66 per cent said it helped to relieve stress. It might seem like a simple pastime, but plants really do harness the healing power to change moods.
'It's World Mental Health Day on 10th October and this year's theme is "mental health for all". Many studies have shown that gardening can do wonders for your health and wellbeing. It can help reduce depression, anxiety and stress, and improve your mood, concentration and positive outlook,' say Squire's Garden Centre.
Not sure which ones to pick up? Take a look at the plants to consider getting your hands on below..
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1) Verbena
Commonly used by herbalists to combat depression and mood swings, verbena is a long-lasting plant that also's perfect for attracting wildlife into your outdoor space.
Speaking about plants for wildlife, Squire's Garden Centre say: 'The gentle buzzing of bees can bring a sense of calm, and listening to bird song is soothing and uplifting.'
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2) Helenium
The beautiful blooms, also known as sneezeweeds, are perfect for adding glorious late-season colour to your landscape. As well as bringing a burst of much-needed joy, they will offer a real haven for bees and butterflies alike.
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3) Buddleja
Known as the butterfly bush (they are a favourite nectar source for butterflies), this fragrant flower is the ultimate mood-boost. Be sure to plant them in spring next year to ensure they flourish.
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4) Choisya ternata
These beautiful white star-shaped flowers are the ideal hedge plant for anyone looking for an evergreen shrub. Certain to boost your mood, they will attract a whole host of buzzing bees.
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5) Lonicera
Grown for their showy fragrant flowers, loniceras (also known as honeysuckles) are brilliant for hedging or topiary pieces. The colour will bring a smile to your face, while the bees visiting will add more interest to your garden.
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6) Hebe
'It's hard not to be cheered up by bright colours, so inject a splash of colour into your garden this autumn by choosing bold, bright plants,' say Squire's Garden Centre.
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7) Rudbeckia
These sunshine-yellow blooms will be sure to brighten even the darkest winter day. Stars of the late summer garden, they look wonderful in containers and borders alike.
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8) Japanese anemones
How stunning are these Japanese anemones? Often found in woodland locations or beneath trees, they are a superb late-flowering perennial that will fill your garden with blooms from August until October.
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9) Heather
These low-maintenance evergreen bushes are happy-inducing plants that will be certain to boost your wellbeing. While they can be planted in spring, winter-flowering heathers are widely available from autumn onwards.
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10) Chrysanthemum
A popular choice for many gardens, chrysanthemums offer valuable late flowers in September and October. We couldn't think of anything lovelier than spotting them from your kitchen window.
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11) Lettuce
Looking for a plant that you can grow and eat? Eating homegrown produce is incredibly rewarding, so why not sow seeds for your own lettuce heads. You'll have a bountiful harvest in no time.
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12) Carrots
Carrots grow best in full sun and well-drained soil, with many being ready to harvest after 70 to 80 days. With previous research discovering that tucking into raw carrots can help ward off depression, now is the perfect time to grow your own.
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13) Radishes
Radishes are quick and easy to grow from seed, especially if you're a beginner. Spending time in nature is a great way to boost your wellbeing, so why not slip on your gardening gloves and give radishes a try.
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14) Spring onions
Want to grow your own spring onions? To grow them over winter, sow in September and harvest in spring.
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15) Potatoes
Potatoes grow best in a sunny spot, so avoid planting in months prone to harsh frosts. If you have plenty of space in your vegetable patch, why not give potatoes a try.
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16) Japanese maple
'Create a beautiful focal point in your garden by planting a tree,' say Squire's Garden Centres.
'They add height and interest to your garden and are very low maintenance. Trees not only attract pollinators and birds but they also improve air quality and protect your garden from wind damage.'
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17) Mountain ash
Mountain ash, also known as Rowan, is a genus of several shrubs or trees in the rose family. Among the most magnificent trees for fruit display, it's a wonderful tree to consider if you're blessed with a garden.
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18) Hawthorn
Loved for its deep-red fruits known as 'haws', the hawthorn tree is a real head-turner. Not only does it produce beautiful white blossom in springtime, but its berries have numerous health effects, especially for your heart.
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19) Crab apple tree
Associated with love and marriage, crap apple trees are brilliant to plant if you have the space. While the apples themselves might be small and sour, you can make some amazing recipes from crab apple trees including jams and jellies.
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20) Smooth serviceberry
The best time to plant a smooth serviceberry tree is in the autumn so that it has a chance to establish before winter arrives. Like many serviceberries, this species also provides interest throughout several seasons.
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21) Succulents and cacti
'You don't need to have an outdoor space to get into gardening,' add Squire's Garden Centres. 'Many plants can be grown indoors. All you need are some pots and compost, a sunny windowsill and occasional watering.'
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22) Rubber plant
Serving as a natural humidifier, rubber plants not only look good but they are easy to maintain and can make you feel better overall. Time to fill your home with them...
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23) Cyclamen
Brighten up a dull windowsill with these easy-to-grow indoor plants. With the correct temperature, and just a little water, they'll thrive beautifully.
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24) Swiss cheese
As well as purifying the air, Swiss cheese plants can induce feelings of calm, trap dust through their large waxy leaves, and help us feel more energised and productive.
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25) Orchids
The final plant to boost your mental health is the classic, much-loved orchid. In addition to improving your mood, orchids can help you to relax and feel less stressed.
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