PlantforLife reveals the scentsational benefits of UK gardens

New research, from PlantforLife reveals 63% of people in the UK purchase floral and herbal scented products to enhance their health and wellbeing yet, when asked, just 32% realised the plants they grow in the garden can provide the same effects. 

To address this lack of awareness and promote the benefits floral and herbal scents provide, PlantforLife has joined forces with aromacologist, Danièle Ryman, and celebrity plantsman Chris Collins, to show people how to give their garden a simple and healthy, scented makeover.

Common scents
Floral and herbal scents have long been recognised for their health and wellbeing benefits, and the research shows the top 5 scented products, purchased at least once a month in the UK, are:

• Lavender (32%), helps reduce stress and improves sleep quality
• Mint (31%), aids digestion
• Basil (25%), eases symptoms of stress and can help lift your mood
• Rose (22%), has soothing qualities and can ease nerves
• Rosemary (22%), provides stimulation and is also good for your hair

Interestingly, 59% of people surveyed revealed they have considered growing their favourite scent, despite this a quarter of these potential growers (25%) admitted they wouldn't know how to use them to benefit their health.

Making scents of it all...
Whilst there's a lack of awareness about planting, over a third (38%) agreed they would like to know how they can start planting and using their favourite scents.  This is why PlantforLife has developed Nature's remedy - A scentsational guide to growing a healthy garden- an easy to use guide which shows how simple it is planting and using floral and herbal scents in your garden.

Aromacologist, Danièle Ryman says, "Plants and flowers have many different purposes, and once you understand how useful they can be for wellbeing, relaxation and stimulation - you can begin to plant not just for aesthetics, but for your health too. Not many people know that simply breathing the aroma of hyacinth can lift your mood, or that gardenia is an effective remedy for anxiety."

Despite all of these scentsational benefits, it's colour and appearance that's currently setting the trend in UK gardens, with 69% of people admitting they choose their plants based on how they look, compared to 6% who consider a plant's scent. 

 

Chris comments, "Although colour is an important part of any outdoor space, introducing different scents into your garden is essential to creating your perfect outdoor haven.  Having beautifully scented plants outside not only means you can reap the health benefits but planting a scented garden is a great way to help the environment and attract wildlife, like bees, back into your garden."

Log on to www.plantforlife.info/scent to download your free guide with tips and advice from Danièle Ryman and Chris Collins, for planting and using your favourite floral and herbal scents.