The Millennials Swapping Doom-Scrolling for Gardening
By Megan Davies, BBC News
When Hannah Matthews lost her father and grandmother in quick succession, she found solace in her back garden. She shares her story of how gardening became a therapeutic outlet and a thriving online community for young people.
Hannah says gardening helped her navigate grief.
As a former English teacher, Hannah, now 31, has amassed over 70,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok. She attributes the growth of the gardening community to a desire among millennials to "recapture some space that feels less tense" on social media.
"I was born in '95, so my generation knows what it's like to grow up with both analogue life and digital culture," she explains. Gardening, along with hobbies like cooking and sewing, represents a rejection of the hyper-digital world.
Hannah believes the current challenges faced by young people—including the cost of living, climate change, and a difficult job market—have led to a quest for alternative outlets. Gardening offers a "safe space" to take control of one's surroundings, whether it's a backyard, balcony, or kitchen windowsill.
"You'd normally train for a marathon 16 weeks out... that's kind of how gardening works as well," she says. Planning and nurturing growth in the garden mirrors the preparation for a race.
While recognizing that owning outdoor space is a privilege, Hannah encourages others to embrace gardening regardless of their circumstances. "Just the act of making something with your hands and planning it and seeing it flourish is amazing."
Naomi Saunders: From Houseplants to Chelsea Flower Show
Naomi Saunders from Gwynedd started gardening during lockdown and quickly developed a passion for houseplants and vegetables. She gained popularity on Instagram by documenting her green thumb, and has since attended prestigious events like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.