Gardening hailed as answer to depression

The NHS has launched a drug-free scheme aimed at helping those suffering with depression and anxiety.

A £3,000 NHS Health and Wellbeing grant is being used to fund an eight-week trial at the Mayfield Nursery in Southampton. Patients who are registered with a GP in the city of Southampton can be considered for the scheme, which gives practical lessons in soil testing and how to deal with common garden pests, as well as theoretical classes on things like recognising plant types.

Rachel Hampton, who manages the Mayfield Nursery, said: “There is little more satisfying than getting your hands dirty and seeing things flourish and grow.”

NHS Southampton mental health manager Caroline Binns wished the project ‘every success’ in its aim to offer a natural solution to the issues of depression, anxiety and low moods.