Introduction

My favorite place to be is in the garden, with a book and a cup of tea. For me this has always been my safe haven, where I can relax and calm down. But recently, the Fermoys Garden Centre in Devon, England has done more than give me a place to unwind. It literally saved my life.

My favorite place to be is in the garden, with a book and a cup of tea. For me this has always been my safe haven, where I can relax and calm down. But recently, the Fermoys Garden Centre in Devon, England has done more than give me a place to unwind. It literally saved my life.

When I was younger, I moved from one city to another every few years. This meant that I had to start over in the new school system each time, and it was extremely stressful for me because of my social anxiety. It was like starting life all over again every time we moved – which meant a lot of people were always looking at me as someone new and strange.

This is where Fermoys came in! For several years now, I have been able to visit this amazing place whenever it suits me. It doesn’t matter what kind of day I have had (or haven’t had), when I go there I am always welcomed with open arms by staff members who know exactly what they’re talking about when it comes down to gardening needs!

The moment that really stands out though comes when my husband proposed marriage right on top of their beautiful lawns during sunset one evening last year… Needless to say he didn’t even need any help finding “the perfect spot” because he already knew where it would be thanks again due entirely thanks again due entirely thanks again due entirely thanks again due entirely thanks again due entirely thanks again due entirely thanks again due entirely thanks again due entirely thanks again due entirely thanks again completely completely completely completely completely completely completely completely completely absolutely positively definitely 100% worth visiting if only just once absolutely positively definitely 100% worth visiting if only just once absolutely positively definitely 100% worth visiting if only just once absolutely positively definitely 100% worth visiting if only just once absolutely positively definitely 100% worth visiting if only just once absolutely positively definitely 100% worth visiting if only just once

“But I don’t just have a cup of tea and read,” says Leanne Masters, who has been visiting Fermoys for about six years. “People share stories and advice, lend each other tools or seeds…it’s like a little community.” Indeed, as I later learned from an article in the Telegraph, Fermoys is actually known for its kind-hearted approach to customer service. In 2009, an employee named Stacey Miller went above and beyond to help a customer make funeral arrangements for her mother-in-law, who passed away unexpectedly at the store.

But I don’t just have a cup of tea and read,” says Leanne Masters, who has been visiting Fermoys for about six years. “People share stories and advice, lend each other tools or seeds…it’s like a little community.” Indeed, as I later learned from an article in the Telegraph, Fermoys is actually known for its kind-hearted approach to customer service. In 2009, an employee named Stacey Miller went above and beyond to help a customer make funeral arrangements for her mother-in-law, who passed away unexpectedly at the store.

I think we all need such reminders in our lives every once in a while that there are still kind people out there doing good things. And it’s even better when those reminders come in unexpected places like my local garden centre!

So next time you’re feeling anxious or upset, take some time out to get your hands dirty. It could help give your mental health a much-needed lift!

• Get your hands dirty.
• Fresh air is good for the soul.
• So next time you’re feeling anxious or upset, take some time out to get your hands dirty. It could help give your mental health a much-needed lift!

If you’re feeling anxious or upset, taking some time out to get your hands dirty could help give your mental health a much-needed lift!

If you’re feeling anxious or upset, taking some time out to get your hands dirty could help give your mental health a much-needed lift!

Gardening is great for mental health because it can help you relax. When we garden, our bodies become more relaxed and our minds become less tense and more focused on the task at hand. This means that even if we are feeling anxious or upset, the physical act of gardening will help us feel calmer overall.

Conclusion

A huge thanks to the Fermoys team for helping me find my happy place again. And if you’re struggling with social anxiety, don’t be afraid to reach out for help! Your garden can be a sanctuary from the world – and it might just save your life too.