WHILE others are heading for the beach or the bar on holiday… I always have one eye on where the nearest garden might be.
I am not saying I am not partial to a swim or a pint but I do enjoy seeing the layouts, styles and the flora and fauna in different climes.
There is the odd bit of inspiration you can bring home with you but gardens, wherever they are in the world, are relaxing places.
Last year’s competition saw me visit more than a dozen gardens across Barnsley.
Though they all took different approaches and had different tastes, a common theme was that people found gardening and being in the garden itself, therapeutic.
Christened Vitamin G by the Royal Horticultural Society, gardening itself can have many benefits for people in a physical, mental and social context.
RHS research, along with studies from institutions like the University of Sheffield and Harvard, has demonstrated that gardening can significantly reduce stress levels, increase physical activity and promote social interaction. ( It is also an ‘extra room’ for many people and in the hope we are about to enjoy a good summer it’s one many people will be spending a lot of time in.
I’ve not had as much time as usual to work on my own garden this year so I’ve switched focus from growing some vegetables to just flowers.
There is a bit of old and a bit of new. I’ve got honesty growing from seedlings. I remember being fascinated by their seedheads as a child and wanted to have a go myself.
I’m also having a go at growing nicotiana for the first time as I’m intrigued by their scent and wanted to add something a little more unusual to my garden this year alongside the returning Sweet Williams and campion.
I had the pleasure of seeing gardens, much better than my own, all across Barnsley last year.
Gareth Creech’s jungle garden proved to be the winner as he brought a taste of the tropics to the town centre.
There was another award for the neighbour team at Ardsley Mews who have worked on their unconventional communal space diligently to create an atmosphere and spirit which is sadly lacking throughout much of modern society.
This year I hope to visit more new and exciting gardens but need the people of Barnsley to put themselves, neighbours, parents or community groups to come forward.
It does not matter if someone has a passion for houseplants or a manicured lawn fit for the cup final or just flowers as far as the eye can see – let’s see your best efforts.
Email an address, photos and contact details to: ashley.ball@barnsley-chronicle.co.uk