Expats In Prague Deal With Stress By Plant-swapping

Tagged:

Whilst worldwide lockdowns are creating stress and depression, Prague’s new plant-swapping groups are keeping nervous breakdowns away!

It’s well-known that green, growing and gloriously flowering plants and trees are balm to the human soul, keeping away depression and other negative emotions due to their calming influence and sheer beauty. Prague is a centre for plant-swapping, especially as making new, plant-loving friends is part of this convenient, affordable way to acquire new species.

Expats sharing their horticultural knowledge with locals may well be stressed out by the effects of the pandemic, but the pleasure of swapping one tiny cutting for another and watching it grow and flourish as part of a private jungle is all part of humans’ ancient bond with nature. Whether house plants or as part of a garden or even a designer balcony, they bring peace, beauty and a sense of reality to those who take care of them.

In the Czech Republic, herbs and edible plants are also favourites, easily grown either in pots or soil. No matter how small the space, filling it with green, growing vegetables and fruits makes a huge difference to mental health and wellbeing. It’s quick and easy to ensure plants are kept well-watered and fed with liquid compost, with caring for them recognised as therapeutic as it reduces stress and depression and lifts the carer’s mood.

For expats living and working in Prague, there are many plant-swapping events taking place every week all across the city. Prague Community Garden is a good place to start, Prague Botanical Garden specialises in multicoloured geraniums, and Green Swap on Facebook is devoted to swapping plants.