On ‘Virtual Chelsea’ RHS Members Day, RHS Announces Appreciation of Gardens doubled during lockdown and 7 out of ten say their outside space has helped their mental health - RHS

• One Poll Survey, commissioned by the RHS, to 2000 respondents across the UK shows that following lockdown 57% of respondents now value their garden more than previously
• 71% of respondents who have an outdoor space felt that having a garden/outdoor space has helped their mental health during lockdown
• Weeding, mowing and watering are the gardening activities that are currently having a positive impact on well-being during lockdown, closely followed by planting and potting

On the first ‘Virtual Chelsea’, RHS Members Day in the history of the world’s most famous gardening event, the RHS is sharing new research that shows nearly 6 in 10 people (57%) now value their gardens more than previously; with over half (51%) saying they will value their garden more after lockdown.
A One Poll Survey to 2000 respondents across the UK commissioned by the UK’s Gardening Charity also found that seven in ten people (71%), who have outside space, say that having a garden, courtyard or balcony has helped their mental health during lockdown. Some 60% of respondents felt that having some outdoor space has helped their physical health during recent times.
Even the smallest gardens have been helping with people’s mental health, with some 59% of people with 10 sq meters or less of outdoor space saying it helped their mental health.
People with outside space are almost twice more likely to feel very satisfied with life currently compared to those with no outdoor space, those with an outdoor garden, balcony or courtyard were also twice as likely to feel they do things that are worthwhile all the time.