Guest Blog: Father’s Day

By Ann Johnson

It’s Father’s Day on the 19th June and I have only just realised, which will probably lead to my usual rushing around and as a result failing to buy an inspired present for my dad.

Father’s Day is traditionally a time for people to celebrate the men in their lives. For children, it is a day to show appreciation for their fathers and father figures. For adults, perhaps it’s a day to show how much they love and appreciate the hard work of the fathers and partners in their lives.  Surprisingly this holiday was not completely accepted at first, but over time people have embraced the idea.

Traditionally Father's Day is a holiday of honouring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. In Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on March 19 as Saint Joseph's Day since the Middle Ages. The celebrations as we know them today have been inspired by Father’s Day celebrated since June 1910 in the USA. 

All of the men in my life enjoy time in the garden; my father loses himself in the garden; also, when I think of my grandad, I remember him sitting in and/or enjoying the garden. Perhaps the answer for a gift then is a trip the garden centre or a local nursery and choosing a fruit tree for the garden or a replacement for one of his lovingly worn garden tools or a fresh pair of gardening gloves as he always seems to get through them.

My father talks of the enjoyment he gets from his garden; the physical exercise, watching the plants grow and picking the fruit from the trees; but it is evident also to him and me that it has a positive impact on his mental well-being; studies have found that the mental health benefits of gardening are extensive.  Not only can regular gardening reduce mental health problems like depression and anxiety, but it can also reduce stress and combat high blood pressure, as well as improving overall physical fitness.  

Of course, not all of us have a garden so you might want to join us at Forest of Hearts to enjoy open spaces; and if you are able why not visit a garden on the 19th; many garden schemes including National Garden Schemes will open their gardens to co-coincide with Father’s Day. Encouraging us all and especially men on Father’s Day to take a peek at often hidden green spaces in our very own community.

Perhaps when I hand over my plant or garden implement to dad on Father’s Day; I might ask him about the well-being that the garden brings him in caring and growing fruit and vegetables in his garden. This means that I might be giving a greater gift to him on Father’s Day – simply the time out to chat and talk about life; appreciation of each other and the beauty of nature.