LAST weekend, there was a familiar, seasonal sound in the air – the noise of lawnmowers.

This early Spring weekend was one of the nicest recently and prompted many people to check up on their gardens and start the regular maintenance that we hate and love equally. That sound heralds the hope of better weather as surely as the tweeting of the birds or the first buzzing of the bees.

It also coincided with a new study, carried out by the Medical University of Vienna, that asked 811 people where they felt best in and around their homes. Being in the garden was identified as a majority’s favourite place of wellbeing more than any other room or living space in the house. And the bigger and garden, the greater the effect.

I suppose most of us know the pleasure of being in the garden, whether we’re green-fingered and dedicated or simply someone who enjoys sitting in the garden enjoying the surroundings. Interestingly, though, the report found that women, men, older people and children were all equally happier in the garden – so it’s not just old biddies like me sitting there smiling at the plants and flowers.

A lovely garden, especially one that you’ve created or nurtured yourself, makes us forget our daily hassles, stops us thinking about work and problems, and promotes positive emotions.

I’m sure this is already something appreciated by many people, especially those who happily go out regularly to keep those gardens looking pristine, but it’s good to see this view validated.

Nor does it have to be a garden. Allotments abound in Bolton with a whole army of men, women and youngsters going down to their plot each week to dig, weed, grow and reap the benefits. There are also community allotment projects here that work really well.

One of these is the Horwich Harvest project in the grounds of Lever Park School in Stocks Park Drive. This doesn’t have individual allotments but people work on the site together. In return, they get back organic fruit and vegetables, and an enjoyable social activity with like-minded people.

It also offers the chance to learn new skills, especially if you’re waiting for an allotment, and is a healthy and sociable way to stay fit.

More than that, it’s sharing this love of gardening and what it can produce together. And probably forging blooming good friendships at the same time!