Escape to the Garden

Around 34 million people in the UK now have access to a garden*, with half that number doing some gardening at least once a week. And according to consultant psychologist, Dr Aric Sigman, the calming effect of a garden is due to eco-psychology.

In a new survey commissioned by Calor, the gas specialist, it was revealed that the garden is being used increasingly to create the ultimate personal sanctuary, liter ally on our own doorsteps, with the majority of those surveyed making a much greater effort in the garden to create a relaxing environment.

This is endorsed by statistics which show that garden products experienced the most growth between 1998 and 2003, aided no doubt by our continued enjoyment of alfresco dining, and are forecast to grow by an additional 29 per cent between 2003-2009**.

Quiet, peaceful, private and loaded with personal space, gardens can deliver the perfect anecdote to stress and pressure in a fast moving society. In essence, they are escapism at its very best.

Respondents commented that they find gardening very therapeutic and are spending more time in the garden to relax and unwind. It is perhaps not surprising therefore that this has led to the increased popularity of alfresco eating with barbecues. Add to this, patio heaters and gas lights and we are able to spend longer in our gardens, even after the sun has gone down.

With 80 per cent of both men and women respondents admitting they would rather have a barbecue as a family meal than a traditional dinner, the barbecue is seen as a ‘must have’ garden accessory. Although barbecues remain predominantly a male domain, arousing one up-manship and ego, women and children all have roles to play in making the barbecue a family event.

Barbecuing adds to the relaxed state you feel in the garden as there is not the stress associated with cooking for a dinner party. People questioned in the survey, and in particular men, felt barbecuing was a way to experiment with food, without the stress factor.

Consultant psychologist, Dr Aric Signman, explains the health benefits of such a garden focus and the psychological health benefits on offer at the barbecue.

He says: “The survey shows that, unlike the wet picnic with a cheese sandwich that previous generations associated with their English holiday, barbecued food and eating outdoors is what people nowadays associate with being on holiday. For the majority of people, even just the smell of a barbecue is sublimin ally associated with good times on holiday.”

With an ever increasing awareness of stress, psychologists are now recommending ‘low-tech’ evenings in an attempt to help reduce tension by going back to basics. This style of social interaction encourages more basic, natural activities such as talking with our partner and family as opposed to electronic entertainment such as computers or television.

Women surveyed saw the garden as their own personal retreat and a barbecue gave them the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the garden while the men did the cooking.

Mr Sigman added: “This makes complete sense. The barbecue serves several purposes; the flame is one of these natural elements which relaxes people – in fact people are sometimes hypnotised by simply being asked to stare at the flame of a candle. The barbecue also involves the outdoors: greenery, the sky, and fresh air. The combination of all of these basic sensations helps to take people away from their modern cares and concerns.

“At the same time there is a growing recognition that humans need to be exposed to the elements. They need to be outdoors for their health and well-being. This is what we c all eco-psychology.”

Survey qualitative and quantative results also included:

• 92 per cent say a barbecue creates a relaxed, happy and de-stressed feeling, like what you feel when you have been on holiday.
• 76 per cent of respondents say there is a strong association between the feelings you have on holiday and those evoked at a barbecue.
• 86 per cent of respondents felt that one of the benefits of the barbecue is that you can appreciate your garden.
• Respondents said they enjoy being outside in their garden, and a barbecue is another excuse to spend time in their garden.
• Respondents saw their garden as a sanctuary and a means of getting away from it all.
• When asked to define a sanctuary, respondents felt it was somewhere quiet, peaceful and private and a place where you can have your own space.
• Respondents felt the garden was an extension of the home.
• Couples and families make more effort with gardens to create a relaxing environment.
• Pre nester males make more effort with their gardens but tended to add “cool accessories” (eg terracotta heaters) and keep the actual greenery quite functional and easy to keep.
• Most are less inclined to mow the lawn & tidy up if its only close friends coming round.
• We are more likely to invite our neighbours to a barbecue than a dinner party.
• Most respondents would rather have a barbecue than choose to host a dinner party.

A wide range of gas barbecues, suitable for all tastes and budgets is available from Calor Gas Direct on 0800 662 663 and from www.caloralfresco.co.uk which also has an exciting selection of accessories, tips and recipes.

In addition, Calor Patio Gas cylinders are available to collect from Calor Gas Direct stockists or can be delivered direct to your home anywhere in mainland UK, through the gas home delivery servie by simply c alling 0800 662 663 or ordering via the website at: www.caloralfresco.co.uk.

Notes to editors

Calor’s survey was conducted by an independent research company amongst 1337 people across the country.

*BBC Gardeners World survey, 1998
**Mintel British Lifestyles, March 2004

Issued on behalf of Calor by Bright, 10 St Catherine’s Court, Herbert Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3QE For further information please contact Leona Abson/Michelle Simpson/Victoria Crowe at Bright on Tel: +44 (0) 121 711 5000 Fax: +44 (0) 121 711 5001 or Email: leona@bright-consultancy.co.uk

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Ref: CAPR198
Released: July 2004