Growing plants 'great for personal wellbeing'

16:43 26th May 2011

Growing plants in a garden or greenhouse is a great way to improve people's general health and wellbeing, an expert has suggested.

According to Dr Roger Williams, head of science at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), working on horticultural projects is great exercise and also has positive psychological effects.

What's more, this is true for people of all ages, with the elderly set to benefit just as much as youngsters, he added.

Speaking at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Dr Williams said: "It's good to get kids involved in it. We know childhood obesity is on the increase and it's a good way of getting kids out to be active."

Additionally, there are several ways to enable partially-sighted or disabled people to get involved and become active participants in growing and maintaining plants, he remarked.

The annual Chelsea Flower Show is currently taking place until May 28th at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.