From flower gardens and greenhouses, to allotments and orchards, people from all over Somerset are invited to down tools and celebrate their gardens no matter what size or shape on Somerset Garden Day on Sunday 13th May.
There’s no denying it, throughout the year an enormous amount of effort goes into keeping and maintaining our gardens, which is why why this deserves a proper celebration.
NEW RESEARCH BY SOMERSET GARDEN DAY
It might sound obvious that Somerset residents who love cider and coffee visit pubs and cafes to relax. But new research shows that the top place for relaxation is right under our nose – in our gardens – with over half (56.7%) of people from Somerset claiming they feel very relaxed after spending time in their garden, as opposed to just 17% after going to the pub and 11% after visiting a cafe.
We live in an age where all generations are often glued to their iPhones and tablets, and we often forget that exposure to natural environments is scientifically proven to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone). Somerset Garden Day, taking place on Sunday 13th May, aims to get as many people as possible relaxing and connecting with friends and family in their gardens, and wearing flower crowns.
That’s why, on Sunday 13th May, we’re celebrating the second Somerset Garden Day with a simple ambition in mind: to encourage everyone in Somerset to down tools, enjoy the diverse pleasures of their gardens and acknowledge the hard work that goes into keeping them special. Connect with neighbours, family and friends and celebrate the fruits of your gardening labour, by wearing a flower crown. In 2017, hundreds of people took part in Garden Day and celebrated all the joys that come from the simple pleasure of relaxing in your garden.
We can provide an interview or comment from a range of ambassadors on on why it’s important for local residents to switch off and spend time in nature with family and friends:
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Bruton-based acclaimed no-dig pioneer Charles Dowding
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Taunton-based gardening writer Sally Nex
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Castle Cary-based Bee Guardian Paula Carnell
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Shepton Mallet-based organic market gardener Liam Wood
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Bruton-based organic kitchen gardener Stephanie Hafferty
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Bath-based founder of sustainable kids’ fashion brand Hoity Toity, Laurel Linden
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Bristol-based acclaimed gardening writer Lia Leendertz
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Bristol-based blogger, gardening writer and founder of Incredible Edible, Sara Venn
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The Hoity Toity twins. Photo: Fiona Haser Bizony
“In this age of convenience and consumerism, we have become disconnected from nature – especially but not only if living in cities,” says Charles Dowding, a pioneer of no-dig growing. “My organic vegetable garden is not only my oasis and sanctuary, it provides us with healthy organic fruits and vegetables, and a beautiful place just to enjoy. I encourage everyone to switch off the phone or computer and head outside, into your garden or a friend’s garden and feel the joy of watching and listening to nature this Somerset Garden Day.”
Events leading up to Somerset Garden Day
The Frome Independent
Somerset Garden Day and The Frome Independent are teaming up to encourage market visitors to make the most of their outdoor space in the run up to Somerset Garden Day – where people across the county will be relaxing with family and friends in their gardens. The market on Sunday 6th May will host free activities including Maypole dancing, and an all-female Morris dancing side. Somerset Garden Day will be running a free flower crown workshop from 10am to show 500 market visitors how to make their own May Queen-inspired crowns using fresh, seasonal flowers.
Flower Crown Stations at Hauser & Wirth, Bishop’s Palace, Kilver Court and Hestercoombe
In the spirit of Somerset Garden Day, there will be flower crown stations at public gardens across Somerset on Saturday 12th May from 10am. Bring the little ones or even the neighbours along to make your own flower crown.
Planting Garden Day Ideas
What you do in your garden on Somerset Garden Day is completely up to you. But we think it’s a great opportunity to get together with your neighbours, friends and family so to show them what you’ve been up to the past year, here are some ideas of what you can do…
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Use fresh flowers and greenery from your garden to make flower crowns for everyone.
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Invite neighbours and friends round for tea.
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Have a garden treasure hunt.
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Instead of book club, have a plant club. Ask guests to bring a rare or interesting plant to swap with one of the other guests.
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Enjoy dinner or a BBQ outside in the garden with each dish featuring a home-grown ingredient.
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If you don’t have your own garden, visit your neighbour who does and enjoy it with them.
Seeding social
Share your Garden Day celebrations on your Instagram and other social media accounts using #gardenday. For more ideas and Garden Day inspiration, visit www.gardenday.co.uk and follow us on social media.
Twitter: @GardenDayUK, Instagram: @somersetgardenday, Facebook:@somersetgardenday, Hashtag: #gardenday