The Millennials swapping doom-scrolling for gardening
Young people say gardening offers joy, serenity and a sense of community.
The younger generation is shifting away from constant doom-scrolling on social media and finding solace in gardening. Hannah Matthews, a 31-year-old with a large following on Instagram and TikTok, credits gardening for providing a much-needed break from the digital world and offering her a sense of serenity. She believes that gardening, much like preparing for a marathon, requires planning and nurturing new growth to create a bountiful season.
Young people are drawn to gardening due to their awareness of the cost of living, climate change, job market, and AI-related challenges. Naomi Saunders, a 32-year-old from Felinheli, Gwynedd, started gardening during lockdown and has amassed a large Instagram following, showcasing her knowledge of houseplants. Rachel Griffiths, 37, found gardening to be a source of hope during the pandemic, helping her manage postnatal depression, anxiety, and undiagnosed neurodivergence.
Georgia Featherstone, 26, started a gardening club for women after moving to a new area for work. Recognizing that many millennials and older Gen Z members are tired of social outings, she aims to create a community where members can connect, share their knowledge, and engage in talks and lessons related to horticulture, floristry, and gardening. Social media platforms offer a unique space for the gardening community to share resources, support one another, and foster a sense of belonging.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
