We British are mad about gardening, but it sometimes comes with side effects, such as back pain, which can make it feel like a chore

WELL, I have survived a very traumatic week in my life. I don't know whether it was the fact that I turned 40, or that just about every friend and family member helped me celebrate it.

Was it the amount of food and drink that was consumed or the extreme variations in weather (from bikini to full storm-proof waterproofs) that accompanied our partying?

Could it be the strains on my body, and in particular my quadriceps, went through struggling up and down some of the highest peaks in the country? Perhaps it was going from the serenity of silently gliding along the waters of Lake Windermere in a sleek racing yacht back to the harsh ear-bending of a strimmer whine and lawn mower growl?

Whatever it was, I now seem to be going through some mid-life crisis.

Never mind though, there is always the garden to retreat into and hide away from all the stresses of life. Just two steps outside the back door and all worries melt away. The green leaves, the bright, cheery flowers and the soft, pungent scents take the senses and the soul on a meditative journey.

With summer around the corner, what bad things could happen to us while resting in the protective charms of the outdoor splendour.

New research confirms just how much our gardens mean to us. Nearly two thirds of the nation believes that the summer wouldn't be summer without a garden to enjoy it in. However, the same piece of research shows that while the majority of women garden for the enjoyment, as well as the stress relief, 40 per cent of men think that they have to do it because no one else will. They see the garden as more functional.

One in ten women though, garden to impress their friends and neighbours.

While people might feel passionate about their gardens, they also recognise that working in it can be a chore. While backache seems to be the most annoying side effect of prolonged gardening, mud seems to be a big put-off.

Younger gardeners believe that the worst thing that can happen is that dirt can be dragged into the house on the bottom of muddy boots. Older ones, and especially the females, do not like getting the soil under their fingernails. Perhaps this is why 63 per cent wear gloves to protect their hands.

I personally prefer not to use gloves, unless I am dealing with the adrenaline inducing stings of nettles or the vengeful spikes of roses, berberis or holly. I actually enjoy the ritualistic cleansing of earth covered hands at the end of a day's gardening. I never used to use a cream, but now that I am 40, I will have to start moisturising.

Perhaps I should also invest in a tartan blanket to rest my weaker muscles on during a mid-weeding siesta, or perhaps it would be wiser to swap my hand trowel for a long-handled hoe. Well, I do have to look after my back now.

Perhaps the garden doesn't hold all the answers to my mid-life crisis after all.

EAST Durham and Houghall Community College is hosting an open day at their Durham City site, off the A177, near Shincliffe on Sunday. The event runs from 10am until 4pm and offers free fun for all the family, including plenty of animals, demonstrations (falconry and sheep shearing), stalls and children's activities. For further information call Houghall reception on 0191-3754710.

Jobs this week

* CONTINUE pricking out seedlings sown in the greenhouse and poly tunnel. Keep them safe under cover and well watered for a few days to get used to their separation, before hardening off and planting out.

* BROAD beans that were sown late last year will have reached the stage where they need their tips pinching out. This not only causes the plants to bush out more and have more flowers (hence more beans) but also discourages blackfly infestation.

* THE recent rains have softened the soil and made it easier to pull out weeds. Give yourself just half an hour a day for a week and you will soon find that the garden looks so much neater.

Reader's question

IHAVE had a letter, asking if there is a reason why so many of the early spring flowers, such as the dandelions, the primroses, cowslips and celendines, are yellow.

There is actually a reason for the phases of colours as the year progresses. It has been proven that bees and other insects see the colour yellow better than any other. In fact, yellow is the easiest visible colour for humans too and most gardens designed for the poor sighted revolve around a yellow colour scheme.

Plants have used this to their advantage.

In spring, when everything is awakening from the winter, those that shout loudest will get more attention. That means the more visible the flowers are, the greater the likelihood that they're visited by the few early emerging insects.

You might also notice that many of the winter flowers are white. A closer inspection will reveal a brilliant game plan. Most white flowers have a beautiful fragrance. They attract a different set of pollinators.

* Brigid presents Ask About Gardening every Sunday on BBC Radio Cleveland 95FM from 1-2pm.

Questions will be answered on the day by emailing brigidpress@bbc.co.uk anytime during the week, and texting 07786-200995 or phoning 01642-225511 during the show.