Working with plants in a garden great for health and wellbeing

Speaking at the Chelsea Flower Show, head of science at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Dr Roger Williams suggested tending to plants in both pots or in a bigger outside space can provide great exercise.

On top of that, getting involved with horticultural activities can have a positive psychological effect by “having an area of the world you’ve got some control over and can be creative in”.

Gardening can be used to combat child obesity, Dr Williams continued, as it can keep kids extremely active.

Equally, it can be highly beneficial for the elderly – and there are ways of providing the same benefits to partially-sighted or disabled people too, he added.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs until May 28th at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London