MINDFULNESS is a concept that has frequently been referred to in recent years. But what does it mean?

In very simple terms, it is about paying attention and noticing what is around us. You may say, isn’t that what we all do anyway? Well, I don't think it always is. So often we live our lives in a hurry, rushing from one thing to another, behaving in a very habitual way, perhaps, distracted by our inner thoughts.

Mindfulness can allow us to be in the moment and give our full attention to what is around us. It is a technique that we can practise outside in nature or in our own green spaces.

We can stop being on autopilot and find a sense of calm by really looking at the trees, shrubs and the green environment around us. This can also include the birds, animals and insects that live alongside our plants. It is a technique that may not necessarily come easily and needs to be practised.

Just taking a few deep breaths can help us to relax and be more aware of where and how we might be sitting or standing. If we focus on a flower in the garden that is near us, what do we see when we start to look at it properly and in detail. How does the sun and shade alter the way it looks? Is it smooth or velvety? What is the centre of the flower like? How is the stem attached to the flower and perhaps, finally, is there a fragrance that we can pick up?

In this way, by using the flower as an example, hopefully, this highlights how we can really start to look at everything around us in a new way.

We can also build in mindfulness to existing activities like lawn mowing. You can get closer to your senses here by paying attention to your feelings as you walk up and down on the grass. The more you practise these techniques, the easier they become.

Sometimes, in a worrying and chaotic world, we can find some peace in many ways including being in gardens.

Increasingly policymakers see the very real benefits that gardening can bring for our mental health and a range of therapeutic opportunities have arisen including gardening courses, community gardens and other similar projects. Many health care professionals are increasingly recommending these activities to patients and even referring people to them rather than prescribing medication.

Remember that mindful gardeners notice more. When we really look at the garden, giving it our full attention, we see all the plants, not just the larger ones or those that are flowering. We also notice the changes taking place in the garden too.

Martin Pallett