With 14.3% of New Zealand adults experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress*, a simple prescription may be closer to home than many people realise – get outside and grow something.
October marks New Zealand’s first National Gardening Month, with the theme ‘Grow a piece of paradise’, encouraging Kiwis to spend more time growing and connecting with nature in their own little haven, whether that is a backyard, balcony, courtyard or community garden.
Increasingly, scientific evidence shows that time spent in nature can support mental and physical wellbeing.
Landscape architect and health and wellbeing researcher, Dr Gayle Souter-Brown, says gardens should be viewed as more than just attractive spaces.
“Gardens can be places where we restore ourselves,” says Dr Souter-Brown, whose research focuses on how landscape design can reduce stress and support wellbeing.
“We know that connecting with nature can help us relax, move more, and step away from the constant demands of everyday life. And you don't need a huge garden or hours of spare time to experience some of those benefits.”
Gayle's doctoral research at Auckland University of Technology – which continues to be supported by her ongoing practice and collaborative research – involved a randomised controlled trial involving 164 participants who spent 30 minutes a week in a biodiverse sensory garden for four weeks. They experienced a 16.1% reduction in salivary cortisol - a physiological marker of stress – alongside improvements in reported wellbeing and productivity.
The researchers concluded that sensory gardens can provide an accessible way of supporting stress reduction and workplace wellbeing.
“My research looked at what happens when we deliberately create environments that engage the senses – with biodiversity, colour, texture, fragrance, sound, movement and places where people can choose to be either connected or quietly alone,” she says.
“Gardens for health and wellbeing can be created almost anywhere. From a handful of herbs outside the kitchen door to a biodiverse backyard, we can all grow a little piece of paradise – and give ourselves a reason to spend time outdoors.”
Supporting this view is a new Kiwi Piece of Paradise survey of 750 people, conducted to mark the launch of National Gardening Month, which suggests New Zealand gardeners already understand the connection.
87% of gardeners surveyed said spending time in the garden significantly enhances their mood.
Growing fruit, vegetables and herbs is about more than saving on grocery bills with 88% saying they grow their own to have fresher, better-tasting food, while 73% said mental wellbeing and enjoyment were the reasons they raise their own crops.
The survey indicates that home grown food is likely to be on the increase in response to burgeoning grocery prices. Reducing the weekly food bill remains important with 64% of respondents considering this a key reason for growing their own. A total of 60% of respondents are likely to grow more food in the future, with almost half reporting that they grow more than before.
The findings suggest that for many gardeners, the reward is not only the produce but the experience of growing it.
When asked what they would include when creating their own piece of paradise, flowers were the most popular choice (89%), followed by vegetables and fruit trees at 86%. An outdoor seating area, water feature and garden sculpture were also considered as important essentials.
Reinforcing New Zealanders’ love for gardening, 63% said they would choose a garden makeover over a weekend away.
New Zealand’s gardening industry representative, Debbie Pascoe, says National Gardening Month is aimed at encouraging New Zealanders to get growing, regardless of their gardening experience, budget or available space.
“Plant something, grow some food or create a haven for birds and bees. Or even just sit outside in your little piece of paradise and spend some time in nature. Gardening gives you the opportunity to switch off from everything else for a while and it could have a significant impact on your health. You don’t need to be good at it – you just need to give it a go to experience the rewards,” concludes Ms Pascoe.
About National Gardening Month
National Gardening Month launches in New Zealand in October 2026, expanding the country's long-running National Gardening Week into a month-long celebration. The 2026 theme is ‘Grow a piece of paradise’, encouraging New Zealanders to celebrate the wellbeing, environmental and community benefits of gardening. Visit www.nationalgardeningmonth.co.nz to find gardening activities around the country.
Research reference:
*Source: New Zealand Health Survey 2024/25
Souter-Brown, G., Hinckson, E. & Duncan, S. (2021). Effects of a sensory garden on workplace wellbeing: A randomised control trial. Landscape and Urban Planning, 207, 103997