Standby with your watering cans! The next few days are forecasted to bring a burst of sunshine, providing an opportunity for people to enjoy their gardens fully.

This could be lounging or working in your precious outdoor space. According to research, gardening has significant positive impacts on our wellbeing, both physical and psychological.

Gardening can reduce depression and anxiety and improve our social functioning. Engaging with nature through gardening lowers stress by reducing cortisol levels and fosters mindfulness.

Other studies have indicated a lower incidence of 15 illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and asthma, in those who regularly engage with green spaces.

Gardening also boosts mood by increasing endorphin production, contributing to a sense of achievement and purpose.

It offers a low-impact activity that promotes a sense of control and accomplishment. Socially, gardening can build community connections and reduce isolation, especially for those with health conditions.

Local charities supported by the North Herts & Stevenage Centre for Voluntary Services (CVS) recognise these benefits and offer gardening as a therapeutic activity.

The Triangle Community Garden in Hitchin (www.trianglegarden.org), for example, is a community garden that promotes the concept of "Connect, Grow, Enjoy".

It provides numerous creative, fun, land-based activities like growing food, creating wildlife habitats, and making garden features.

It also runs the Growing Ability service, which offers therapeutic horticulture sessions for adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

Their New Shoots course, running in September, supports those with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.

The Triangle Community Garden also offers opportunities for young people with additional needs to gain horticultural skills and work experience through the Branching Out programme.

The charity hosts a variety of community events, walks, and workshops that focus on resilience, connecting people, and valuing the natural world. For further details, visit their website.

Growing People (www.growing-people.org.uk) is based within the grounds of the Sadie Centre in Letchworth.

Here, gardeners (service users) work alongside volunteers and therapists to plant vegetables, build raised beds, harvest fruit, and engage in various gardening activities tailored to different therapeutic needs.

The Red Shed (www.theredshed.garden) is a unique local project providing garden activities and experiences to for those living with dementia, their carers, and families.

Based in Bedwell, Stevenage, the team of therapists and experienced volunteers provides especially accessible, adapted activities that deliver sensory stimulation, exercise, and promote a sense of purpose and achievement.

Activities range from growing flowers, fruit, and vegetables to garden crafts and games.

Could you extend your love of gardening?

Please consider volunteering with these groups through www.GoVolHerts.org.uk.

Alternatively, could you organise a fundraising activity within your club, workplace, or network to support these valuable community initiatives? Email the CVS at info@nhcvs.org.uk for fundraising ideas.