Gardening for Good Health

Gardens and greenspaces have been hugely important to many people during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many people finding their refuge through gardening. Here we explore some of the health and mental wellbeing benefits of gardening.

Stress relief
Gardening is a fantastic stress reliever and can cultivate feelings of empowerment, connection, and calm. Being in touch with nature and the great outdoors can help you feel more removed from the daily stressors of life.

Work out
Gardening is exercise and working in a garden can use every major muscle group in the body. While activities such as raking and cutting the grass may be light exercise, shovelling and digging can be counted as vigorous exercise.

Grow your own
There is nothing quite like eating your own fresh home grown produce! Not only are many fruits and vegetables very easy to grow, but they are also more nutrient-dense, free of pesticides and tasty. By growing your own, you are also helping to preserve the environment.

Get the kids involved
It can sometimes be a challenge to get children to eat healthy foods and enjoy them. Growing vegetables not only teaches children valuable lessons about the work that it takes to grow them, but it can also help them to gain a keen interest in eating them too.

Work with what you have
Whether your patch is large or small, a raised bed, a community garden or window box – make the most of it by researching the best plants for your space and sunlight exposure. You can grow a range of things with very little space and maintenance, whilst still reaping the benefits.

Happy gardening! You can find lots more tips, recipes and health advice at https://heartresearch.org.uk/



Latest article from Citizens Advice Waverley

“But just what is the Breathing Space scheme?”
Council tax, rent and other forms of debt arrears will be awarded relief as part of the Government’s new “breathing space” scheme. If you’re eligible, you could get 60 days of breathing space where your creditors can’t:

  • contact you
  • take action to make you pay
  • add interest and charges to your debt.

Our debt advice expert, Lorraine Charlton, explains: “If you have unmanageable debts, the new scheme could give you the time to get the advice that will help, and to start taking action. Breathing space isn’t a temporary fix to simply keep your creditors at arm’s length. You’ll need to work with your debt adviser to try and make a plan to deal with your debts”.

If you are getting emergency or acute mental health care
There is a separate breathing space scheme if you’re being treated for a mental health crisis, called the Mental Health Crisis Debt Respite Scheme.

You might be able to get breathing space from your creditors for the whole time you’re getting mental health crisis treatment, plus 30 days afterwards. Crisis treatment includes things like getting emergency or acute mental health care in hospital or the community.

Read on to find out how we helped *Wes ….
Wes dropped by his local Citizens Advice office for help.  Wes told us he had literally stuffed letters down the side of his sofa – he was just too worried to open them.  He knew from the red lettering on the envelopes that they contained invoices which were well past their due date.  Wes explained that he was struggling financially and couldn’t face the pressure of trying to settle bills or dealing with debt collectors on top of everything else at the moment. It was all too much, he said, and he was being treated for acute anxiety.

Our advisers reassured Wes that we could help him. We asked Wes to retrieve all his letters he had stowed away and bring them in for our advisers to look at. After exploring and discussing all the options, we helped Wes apply for the Mental Health Crisis Debt Respite Scheme.

Wes is coming back to see us soon so that our advisers can advise him how to find a way forward and deal with his debts.

*Name has been changed to protect client confidentiality.     

Do you – or someone you know – want help?
So, if you find yourself in a similar situation and don’t know what to do next – or even if you think you do! – why not contact us (details below). Citizens Advice is here for you!  Or find online information at: Check your options for getting out of debt.

WAVERLEY CONTACT DETAILS:

By Phone 0808 278 7980 (free) to speak to an adviser

By Email: use our enquiry form at https://waverleycab.org.uk/get-advice/e-mail-form/

Self-help: https://waverleycab.org.uk/get-advice/help-topics/

Office opening: https://waverleycab.org.uk/get-advice/visit-us/

South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Outreach Service 01483 898884



Weekend Walk: Windsor Great Park (5.1 and 3.5 miles)

Walking in Windsor Great Park is always great joy, as there are so many lovely views and vistas. Here we feature a couple of walks which take place from The Savill Garden car park (charges apply). Entry to Windor Great Park is free but you will need to pay to enter The Savill Garden should you wish to do so. Dogs welcome in the park, mostly on leads.

A lakeside walk from The Savill Garden to Virginia Water
5.1 miles

Start at the Savill Garden and you will experience the impressive heights of the Cascade to the ancient Leptis Magna ruins, as you walk to and around Virginia Water. You certainly won’t have to walk far before you encounter one of the many points of interest!

An entire circuit of the lake is around 4 ½ miles (7 km) in total. The complete walk from The Savill Garden is 5.1 miles (8.2km) However long you decide to make your walk, the Pavilion will always be ready and waiting to greet you with a welcome coffee and a snack afterwards. Map below.
The Savill Garden

Designed to offer stunning scenery all year round, The Savill Garden is the perfect place to unwind as you take in the sights and scents of the shrubs, plants and trees. A stroll in Spring Wood offers pretty pastel views of its rhododendron during April and May – then in summer you can head to the manicured lawns of the Summer Gardens, stroll along the 100 metre Herbaceous Borders and look out for the colourful displays of over 3,500 roses in the Rose Garden.

Later in the year, wander amongst the glorious displays of maple and cherry trees in Autumn Wood, and don’t miss the fiery cornus stems which cover the banks of the stream in the winter beds.
www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/experiences/the-savill-garden

The Savill Garden to the historic Long Walk and ancient oaks of the Deer Park
3.5 miles

Park at The Savill Garden and you can have the perfect walk of just over 3.5 miles return to the top of the historic Long Walk and the Copper Horse. Take in the impressive views of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and look out for the rare sight of our deer herds, enjoying the shade of an old oak tree.

As you reach the Copper Horse statue you will be greeted with wonderful views across the tree canopies and Windsor rooftops – with Eton College, Windsor Castle and arch at Wembley stadium all visible. Then if you enjoy the challenges of off-road hillwalking, the ancient forest of the Deer Park offers a route through stunning woodland, filled with some of the park’s oldest oaks.

MAP: OS Explorer 160 (Windsor)
START: The Savill Garden, Wick Lane, Englefield Lane, Egham TW20 OUJ. Charges apply.
Visit www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk for more information and to download maps.



Don’t forget the umami veggies this BBQ season

BBQ season is upon us and as swathes of sausages and burgers make their way to the grill, the humble vegetable is often forgotten.  Whether it’s for the veggie/vegan of the group or simply just a delicious side dish, overlooking the greens is a mistake.

Yondu (www.yondu.co.uk) is making the veggies the star of the show this BBQ season; from what to put on your skewers, to how to cook them, fun ideas for all the family and even a sweet treat.

Here are Yondu’s top tips for pimping your veggies this BBQ season.

  1. Consider Kebabs – any vegetable that can be cut into big chunks and skewered is a firm candidate to a kebab. Be creative and combine different colors, textures and flavors in each skewer. There’s just one golden rule: “Sturdies with sturdies and softies with softies”. You don’t want to bite a raw potato next to a totally dehydrated courgette.
  2. Mushrooms are vegetable meat –  what does have a meaty texture, a meaty color and a meaty flavor… but it is not meat? Exactly! Mushrooms are one of the richest sources of umami flavour out there. Rub your portabella mushrooms with Yondu before grilling and turn them into an umami bomb!
  3. Cook at the right tempo– controlling timing of a barbeque has never been easy. Especially when it comes to having everyone together at the table on time. But at least we can make sure all our vegetables are cooked to perfection and served at the right temperature. Here you have some tips to get it right:
    1. Sturdy vegetables such as potatoes or  onion – wrap them in aluminium foil and start cooking once you light the BBQ
    2. Big veggies like entire bell peppers, aubergines or artichokes – cook them on the edges of the grill, not directly over fire for about 30 minutes
    3. Sturdy vegetable skewers (carrots, turnip, cabbage, etc.) – start charring them on the direct fire and then place them on the edges of the grill and cook until done
    4. Softie skewers (courgette, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, etc) – cook them over direct fire for a few minutes right before serving.
  4. Get the right tools – when it comes to grilling vegetables, there are a couple of gadgets that can help you get the most of them. And if you are frequently barbecuing, you’ll definitely want to consider these:
    1. BBQ veggie grill pan – this can be a square or circular piece of metal with holes in it. It allows you to cook chopped vegetables or small delicate ones. It is great to stir-fry your veggies on the fire and get all the delicious aromas of the barbecue in them.
    2. Grill basket – the classic two sided grill with a handle. It is usually intended to flip the steaks over, but it is actually very useful for vegetables. Forget about aubergine slices sticking to the grid, with this tool grilling veggies will be a breeze.
  5. Sweeten your meal with fruits – barbequed fruits can make an excellent side for a savoury main. No matter if you are barbecuing meat, fish or veggies, fruits will be a great partner. Think of it this way: Most fruits are sweet, tangy and juicy, just like HP sauce or ketchup! Pears, apple, pineapples, strawberries, watermelon, peaches, melon… almost any fruit can be grilled.

It’s not only the cooking of the vegetables that’s important on the BBQ, making sure your marinade or seasoning is spot on will bring them to life and leave your guests wanting more. Check out the recipe below:

Yondu‌ ‌marinade‌ ‌for‌ ‌grilled‌ ‌veggies‌ 

Total time: 10 min

Serves 2

Yondu effect: Replaces soy sauce and/or salt

Recipe benefits: Easy, fat-free and clean flavor profile

Ingredients: 

3 Tbsp. Yondu
2 tsp apple cider vinegar (or another mild vinegar)
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp dry thyme
1 clove of garlic, finely minced
500g your favorite vegetables to grill

  1. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients.
  2. Prepare your vegetables for the grill by washing, peeling and cutting to your desired size.
  3. Drizzle the marinade over your vegetables and gently toss in a tray. Leave for 5 minutes before grilling.
  4. Grill your vegetables, reserving the remaining marinade in the tray. Drizzle this over your vegetables when serving.

Notes/tips:

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the marinade to help vegetables get golden brown if you want. You can add a teaspoon of sugar too, but we found veggies are naturally sweet enough and Yondu will enhance their sweetness!

Yondu is available to purchase via its UK website and Amazon, retailing at £6.88 for 275ml. Visit www.yondu.co.uk/recipes/ for cooking inspiration.

Follow the brand on Instagram: @yondu.uk and Facebook: @yondu.uk.

 



Turn your garden into a pollinator paradise

Our gardens are an increasingly important habitat for wildlife. They are a significant source of food, water and shelter. There are so many amazing creatures just outside our back doors, and every garden, no matter what size, can be a haven for wildlife.

You can attract more birds, butterflies, bees and insects into your garden by following these simple steps:

  • Choose Insect-Friendly Plants – Nectar-rich single flowers with bright colours will help attract bees and butterflies
  • No Mow – Leave an area of your garden unmown or mow less frequently and let the grass grow a little longer to encourage wildflowers and insects
  • Add Water – A pond, water feature, bird bath, or even just a small bowl of water will help attract wildlife into your garden
  • Create Shelter – Add a log pile, bird box, hedgehog home or a house for bugs and insects

“Take time to enjoy all the life your garden protects and fosters”, says Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres. “The sight and scent of flowers, the gentle hum of insects and chirruping of birds make for an intoxicating mix.”

 Squire’s Garden Centres has selected some of their favourite insect-friendly plants which will help turn your outdoor space into a pollinator paradise.

  1. Lavender (£10.99 for a 2 litre pot or Buy 2 Get 3rd Free)

With sumptuous, scented flowers and beautiful purple blooms, Lavender brings colour, scent and texture to your outside space. Honey bees in particular love lavender, and they certainly need our help right now. Plant in a sunny border alongside a patio to make the most of this stunning plant.

Lavender Hidcote 2 Litre | Perfect For Pots | Squire’s Garden Centres (squiresgardencentres.co.uk)

  1. Verbena (£10.99 for a 2 litre pot or 3 for £25)

This popular plant has compact clusters of lilac-purple flowers. It blooms all summer long, and bees, butterflies and other pollinators love its rich nectar.

Verbena Bonariensis 3 Litre | Beautiful Borders | Squire’s Garden Centres (squiresgardencentres.co.uk)

  1. Foxgloves (£10.99 for a 2-litre pot or 3 for £25)

With stunning trumpet shaped blooms, foxgloves are an excellent source of nectar for bumble bees, moths and honey bees. They are great for adding height and beautiful colour to your cottage garden.

Digitalis Virtuoso Rose Compact 2 Litre | Beautiful Borders | Squire’s Garden Centres (squiresgardencentres.co.uk)

  1. Lupins (£10.99 for a 2 litre pot or 3 for £25)

A cottage garden favourite, especially with bees, these easy-to-grow sun lovers have showy tall spires of flowers and enjoy sun or partial shade.

Lupin Gallery Red 2 Litre | Beautiful Borders | Squire’s Garden Centres (squiresgardencentres.co.uk)

  1. Honeysuckle (£19.99 for a 3 litre pot)

Lonicera Strawberries & Cream is a wonderfully fragrant, versatile climber, producing long tubular flower buds in a goblet shape. Ideal for growing up trellis or over pergolas, it is loved by bees and butterflies so an absolute treat for the wildlife and humans who enjoy your garden.

Honeysuckle Lonicera Periclymenum – Strawberries & Cream 3 Litre | Perfect For Pots | Squire’s Garden Centres (squiresgardencentres.co.uk)

  1. Nemesia (£4.99 for a 1 litre pot or 3 for £12)

This colourful bedding plant bears wonderfully fragrant and delicate flowers. Ideal for borders, plant in groups for beautiful swathes of breath-taking blooms to draw in bees and hoverflies.

Nemesia Lady Anne 1 Litre | Perfect For Pots | Squire’s Garden Centres (squiresgardencentres.co.uk)

  1. Cosmos (£4.99 for a litre pot or 3 for £12)

A summer garden essential, Cosmos makes for an elegant addition to your border, displaying a profusion of striking flowers that will attract bees and butterflies. Plant in full sun and protect from strong winds.

Cosmos Pink 1 Litre | Beautiful Borders | Squire’s Garden Centres (squiresgardencentres.co.uk)

  1. Choisya ternate (£14.99 for a 4.5 litre pot or 2 for £25)

Beloved by bees, sweetly scented white flowers appear over glossy green leaves on this evergreen shrub. In most years it will flower twice. Plant is a sunny position in moist, well-drained compost.

Choisya ternata 4.5 Litre | Shrubs | Squire’s Garden Centres (squiresgardencentres.co.uk)

  1. Bee Friends Seed Bombs (£6.99 each)

These seed bombs contain quality compost and a specially selected blend of native wildflower seeds. Simply scatter, water and then watch them bloom.

Bee Friends Seed Bomb Butterfly | Flowers | Squire’s Garden Centres (squiresgardencentres.co.uk)

Shop instore or online for local delivery at www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk