In Your Garden: You'll really dig these ways to keep healthy

RHS Garden Wisley, in Surrey, will be holding Tai Chi classes, which are great for improving your fitness.

Launched five years ago by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the annual event has grown into the country’s biggest celebration of gardening.

Thousands of people, gardens, charities, retailers, culture and heritage organisations and groups will use the week to promote the joy and benefits of growing plants.

The aim is to encourage people and organisations to come together to help keep their neighbourhoods, environments and shared spaces beautiful through gardening.

This year’s theme, called Get Fit in the Garden, explores the ways in which gardens and gardening can boost people’s wellbeing.

A number of activities are set to take place at Royal Horticultural Society gardens and others around the country.

From beginner’s workshops to guided walks, face painting to garden parties, there should be something for everyone.

For example, activities at RHS Garden Wisley, in Surrey, will include Tai Chi classes and buggy fitness classes for families.

There will also be “meet the gardener” events, where horticulturists will explain how their roles keep them happy and healthy.

Matthew Pottage, Curator at RHS Garden Wisley, said: “At the RHS Gardens, we will be looking at ways to show how everyday activities such as digging, raking and hoeing can keep you fit, and how the garden can be used for exercise and having fun.”

I often use this column to discuss how I benefit from my love of gardening.

Last week, I was on holiday. I didn’t jet off anywhere, but instead used my break to spend time with my wife and our baby daughter.

The responsibilities of being a dad have made it harder to get out into the garden, but thankfully I managed a couple of days last week.

The sun made the odd appearance and generally it was dry, which made my time outside even more enjoyable.

And the garden was full of life.

While tidying up different parts of the garden, I found a frog and encountered a grey squirrel scampering along my fence.

I also enjoyed watching a host of different birds flitting from branch to branch, including that old gardeners’ favourite, the robin, which kept me company most of the day.

The garden was also full of colour, with narcissus and forsythia all in bloom.

If ever there was a reminder of just how beneficial gardening can be, it was those two days.

By the time I came in each evening, I felt healthier, happier and relaxed.

I only hope more people discover that same feeling through the events taking place during this year’s National Gardening Week.

As in previous years, the RHS will be co-ordinating this national celebration of all things green.

Last year, hundreds of gardens, cultural organisations, museums, heritage sites, charities, individuals and businesses got involved, reaching millions across the country and encouraging them to get out and garden.

This year, the RHS has asked gardens that normally charge for entry or are closed to the public, to open their doors for free.

This will give as many people as possible the chance to experience the amazing gardens the UK has.

The RHS is kick-starting the campaign and has committed to opening its four wonderful gardens — Wisley in Surrey, Hyde Hall in Essex, Rosemoor in North Devon and Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire — on April 15, free of charge.

Many RHS Partner Gardens and lots more have joined the campaign and will be throwing their doors open for free as well.

For more information go to www.nationalgardeningweek.org.uk or call the RHS on 020 3176 5800.

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