© 2009 West Green House Gardens

Surrounded by birdsong, calmed by scents of flowers, gently exercise and trim your waistline as a volunteer gardener at West Green House.

We all aware that a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain, as well as a host of health problems. If the thought of pounding the pavements or spending hours in a fitness centre are not that appealing, we would like to offer you our own "Green Fitness". You will be able to improve your health and fitness in the beautiful surroundings of West Green House Gardens as well as helping us maintain the gardens to the highest of standards.

Any form of physical activity can be beneficial to health. Aerobic exercise requires an increased use of oxygen and results in the release of endorphins (happy hormones). This effect occurs as long as the exercise is fairly repetitive and continuous and lasts for between 20 and 40 minutes.

Gardening can offer all this and more. It is a physical activity that can be both strenuous and relaxing. Digging, raking, lifting and dividing plants are all activities that will have you using your muscles and give you a good workout, whilst weeding and dead-heading are quite relaxing and will help you switch off from all the strains of the day. Greenhouse work requires more concentration so whatever you do both your health and gardening skills will improve.

Our plan for you

Under the watchful eye of Teri, our herbaceous specialist and a trained nurse, banish any stress as you brush up your joy of gardening. Don't worry if your gardening experience is minimal as there is always someone around to show you what to do and to ask for advice. Above all we want you to enjoy helping us here in the gardens and to benefit from all that gardening can offer you.

The "Green Fitness" takes place any week day morning between 9.00am - 12.00 noon. If you would like to be part of our group please phone Pip on 01252 845582 or email pip@westgreenhouse.co.uk