Camilla's Country Life: how the Duchess uses gardening therapy for her own wellbeing
Speaking from Highgrove House for last night's UK documentary, the Duchess of Cornwall described gardening as 'one of the most relaxing things anyone can do'
The psychological benefits of gardening are undeniable. Whether you find a moment of calm in planting or spend leisurely time unwinding on your patio or terrace. You may have guessed that you're not alone in finding solace in gardening therapy – but did you know you're in royal company?
Speaking from Highgrove House, the royal residence owned by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, which is famed for its garden, parts of which the public can tour, Camilla labeled gardening as 'therapeutic' before sharing some of the green-thumbed jobs she enjoys in the grounds.
In a documentary for H&G's sister magazine, Country Life, named Camilla's Country Life, the Duchess offered a glimpse into the process of guest-editing the brand's recent issue. A section of the show captured Camilla wandering Highgrove's extensive grounds – where she commented on her admiration for gardening and its impact on relaxing qualities.
In the footage, Camilla revealed her husband, Charles, the Prince of Wales, is 'passionate' about gardening before sharing that she shares his sentiments.
'I love gardening. It’s therapeutic,' Camilla says. 'You can go and garden, and you just become completely involved in what you’re doing and what you’re planting. [You can] do a bit of weeding and you can be very creative, it’s just one of the most relaxing things anyone can do. Go into the garden, get on with it.'
And Camilla's love of gardening is not limited to the grounds at Highgrove. Though she was filmed in its world famous gardens, much of the Country Life issue came from the gardens of Ray Mill House in Wiltshire, which she owned before moving in with Prince Charles. The gardens (seen above) hosted the backdrop of the issue's front cover (below) – photographed by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
The Duchess of Cornwall's comments are unsurprising; a recent study* that revealed that 9 in 10 of us have continued our pandemic gardening habits – motivated not only by their impact on our wellbeing – but by our desire to protect the planet.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
But it's not all about aesthetics. As the Duchess hinted, working in the garden is what contributes to wellbeing.
Promoting good soil health is one of the most popular jobs amongst respondents after many (46%) showed particular interest in soil's benefits.
'All soils benefit from the addition of organic matter to improve biodiversity, drainage, and oxygen levels,' says garden expert Poppy Okotcha for *Weleda. 'Making your own compost is also a great way to save money, and it reduces waste. So get out into your garden and get your hands dirty – it’s good for you and the planet.'
Discover Highgrove garden tours to see more.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
10 essential household items to keep in your junk drawer that you'll actually use for repairs, emergencies and daily jobs
We all have one and they're mostly filled with useless items. Here's what to swap in
By Sophie Warren-Smith Published
-
How to stop soil freezing in winter – to protect soil and plant health
Frozen soil can hinder your plants' ability to grow
By Tenielle Jordison Published
-
Inside Nottingham Cottage – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'small' London home
The home, located on Kensington Palace grounds, was the site of an alleged incident between the royal brothers in 2019
By Megan Slack Published
-
Inside the Royal Family's Christmas – 5 festive traditions they will follow in 2022
Like every family, the Royals have their own way of celebrating the holidays – but will 2022 follow former conventions?
By Megan Slack Published
-
Inside Sandringham – where King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will host the royal family this Christmas
The King will follow a tradition enjoyed by the late Queen – but Prince William and Catherine may not stay long at the country retreat
By Megan Slack Published
-
Prince William promises to hang this sentimental item on his refrigerator
The Prince is set to make a change to his kitchen – here are the appliances he reportedly uses – and what the new addition means for Adelaide Cottage
By Megan Slack Last updated
-
King Charles' extraordinary 15-minute morning routine is a Victorian ritual the late Queen enjoyed too
This week, the King started his day with this time-honored tradition for the first time in Clarence House, his London home
By Megan Slack Published
-
King Charles decides against Buckingham Palace for his home in a surprising break from royal tradition
The new monarch will instead divide his time between his beloved Clarence House, Windsor Castle, and Sandringham house in a break with tradition
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
Harry and Meghan requested a suite in Windsor Castle, but were given Frogmore Cottage instead, royal author reveals
Harry and Meghan's Frogmore home was not their first choice, royal author reveals
By Chiana Dickson Last updated