Be healthier in 2009 - despite the cash flow.

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In times of tightening our belts and watching the pennies, health tends to take a back seat. Cheap processed foods, no vitamin supplements etc; and invariably the symptoms we go to our doctor with are related to the way we treat ourselves according to our environment.


Nature provides mankind with the food and water we need to survive, but we have to get a little canny if we want to get the best food for our families in times of financial stress. The perfect way to do this doesn’t involve travelling or studying. All it takes is a little research and you can grow the healthiest food on the planet for you and your loved ones. And while you are providing your family with only the best food, the fresh air and exercise you get means you could probably cancel your subscription at the gym!


The great thing about gardening is that you can do a little at a time or treat it as a workout if you must. But whatever way you do it, it will be outside and at your own pace. And you won’t have to work out computerised buttons on a garden rake or buy a flash new track suit!


Pop in to your local garden suppliers or order some catalogues online to get a feel for what you could be doing in your garden. Don’t be put off if you have a small garden, or no garden at all. Many plants can be grown in containers and some will benefit from a warm bright spot indoors.


A garden of any size can be transformed from an outside yard space to a practical and wonderful environment for everyone. The combination of a great environment and organic fresh vegetables and fruit keeps every one healthy and happy even when there’s a shortage of cash.


Consider creating a theme for your outside space. Your imagination is your only limitation here. These are a few ideas you could look into over the next couple of months and still be in time to get going in the spring…

Water features: Water trickling into a pond creates a feeling of calm in your garden and can also be a practical feature. Water will encourage frogs and toads who in turn will keep the slugs under control

Herb gardens: A whole garden can be given over to herbs, or grow individual plants in containers on a patio or dotted around the garden. Herbs are practical, useful in the kitchen and some can alleviate colds and flu symptoms as well as a number of other ailments.

Vegetable plots: These are a must-have if you have the space. Create small square beds that are easy to maintain. Edge with stones or old bricks if you can find some to help deter stray weeds.

Orchards: With dwarf varieties of many fruit trees available these days, you don’t need a huge space to grow fruit in your garden. They can be trained to grow on fences and take up very little space in relation to the huge crops you can harvest year after year.

Rockeries: Rockeries need little maintenance and no digging and can be a stunning feature in your garden. Try your hand at a few exotic plants or stick with everyday shallow rooting herbs and flowers.

Rose gardens: Not only a luxurious environment, but also a practical one. Roses are edible for the most part, can be used to brighten your home and also used in pot pourri mixtures. Roses in varying forms make excellent home produced gifts.

These are just a few ideas. Browse catalogues and online garden centres and make a few plans during the winter evenings so you are ready to hit the ground running in the Spring!