Are plants essential?

Saturday 04 April 2020

A local garden centre is fighting for the right to deliver plants and seeds to Guernsey households during lockdown, to keep community spirits up and protect its mental health.

Queux Plant Centre had been dropping items to people's doorsteps, until the latest set of lockdown restrictions on businesses stopped it from doing so.

Now, one of its owners, Nigel Clarke, is asking that the States make an exception for the family-run business.

Pictured: The company would like to deliver plants (file image).

"The population is in isolation and physically safe, but is now in danger from another killer which is mental illness," he wrote. "It works best when people are isolated, which leads to anxiety, leading to sleep deprivation and then depression.

"Medical studies and scientific studies all show the benefits of plants on mental health. We can activate immediately a contactless delivery service to all the community in isolation, prioritising people with underlying long term health problems and the over 65s, as they are the most vulnerable.

"There will be no minimum order and no delivery charge. If one, one pound plant will make a difference, we will deliver a one pound plant - free delivery."

While it looks unlikely anything will change in the next few days, the States are due to review the lockdown measures next week.

"It's a really rubbish time of the year for this to have happened, particularly for people who like gardening, like me - I find it very therapeutic," said President of Health & Social Care, Deputy Heidi Soulsby.

Pictured: Deputy Heidi Soulsby.

"I think we have to remember where we are. We're currently through the first two weeks of this lockdown. We are monitoring it all the time, we will be looking at this [garden centres] when we come up to the two week point, but at the present moment we have to follow Public Health advice to lock down as much as we possibly can.

"People say ‘surely we can have a delivery, that will be fine’, but in many cases it’s not the delivery that’s the issue, it’s how things are dealt with before they are delivered. Takeaways - the problem with that was not having large enough kitchens so people couldn’t socially distance. The same goes in garden centres.

"That is where we are now and I'm sorry that's where we are, but we are constantly monitoring this."

Many different organisations and groups are still running - albeit in a slightly different way - to support those struggling mentally through the lockdown.

"We understand for some people staying at home for long periods of time can be boring or frustrating," added Deputy Soulsby. "Lots of other concerns can creep into your head about your job and finances. You may find your mood and feelings being affected, you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping. You may also feel isolated and alone, but we’re here to support you.

"It’s good to remember that it’s okay to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently. But, there are people out there to help you. You do not have to feel alone. There are people who are willing and able and want to help you in what are unique, extraordinary times.

"It’s important to remember it is Guernsey together."

Further information on the available support can be accessed at gov.gg/coronavirus.