Ashby is an environmental health researcher studying how gardening impacts wellbeing. Her work focuses on gardening, biodiversity and health, as well as access to nature, especially for vulnerable groups and young people
I research how garden design, gardening, and spending time with plants and wildlife can improve health and wellbeing. I share my findings through scientific articles and informal writing, helping RHS members and the public understand how gardening can be an important tool for improving wellbeing. Once research confirms the evidence, I work to connect gardening with health and wellbeing across RHS Gardens, events, education programmes, communities and partnerships. The RHS is ideally positioned to share this larger message, that gardens and gardening can be an integral part of the UK’s health and social care system.
“I am motivated by the understanding that when we connect with plants, we feel less alone and part of something larger than ourselves”
Environmental Horticulture bridges the gap between human and environmental health. Our research explores eco-friendly gardening as a new frontier in wellbeing, with recent studies highlighting how biodiverse environments benefit both people and our natural world. By gardening to support wildlife and the local ecosystem, we can enhance our own health and wellbeing.
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
