Positive Power of Birdsong.

" Recent research shows that birdsong can relax and help us recover from stress."

So what better reason for enticing birds into our gardens, especially now, when for so many people that is the only outside space they can enjoy.

I read this in the RHS magazine, " The Garden" which arrived by post yesterday.  It couldn't have come at a better time.I love this magazine, and usually don't have time to read it all in full. Well I certainly have time now. 

Also says how gardening can boost your self - esteem
Gardening helps you grow more than just plants - it can also incease confidence levels and feelings of self-worth.
Helps people suffering from depression or stress.

Suggests also that water is soothing and calmimg, and you can experience the healing powers of water with  a simple water feature such as a large bowl or pond .

This was an article  which really made me sit up and think.

DIRT IS GOOD FOR YOU

Garden soil is full of beneficial microbes that have the potential to naturally boost our immune systems.
Studies show that contact with the soil gives us exposure to benificial microbes - microscopic organisms - that live there.
These perform numerous vital functions in the body, including helping to make our immune systems more efficient. By encouraging the whole family to get their hands in the soil, you can freely access a wide range of good microbes that could help to keep you all healthy.

There is a lot more written about this, which is too long to write here, but basically  "  We overuse antibiotics, our food is too pasteurised, and children children spending less time playing outdoors, we are no longer exposed to the same range or quantity of microbes.
Many scientific studies show a clear link between childhood exposure to microbes in the soil and food and higher immunity rates as adults  -  giving us the perfect excuse to go outdoors and get digging with the kids. "

Please note this was written a few months ago.
It does however make you think.

Today has been very cold, and with some snow showers, so no gardening for me today. However we have had some sunshine.

We have been listening to Elaine Page. Music from the Hollywood Musical films.
I decided to do some exercises to some of the songs.
Glad it was only Mr C who was watching!

We also had a new visitor to the garden. A almost white pigeon.