Dame Helen Mirren has opened up about her passion for gardening – saying it has boosted her mental health during her darkest hours.
The Oscar-winning star, 74, loves nothing more than “getting your hands dirty, diving down to the root of it all and finding the real joy of growth”.
And she says schools should teach gardening to pupils so future generations can benefit in the same way she has. Dame Helen said: "I love to spend time in my garden, if I have a few free hours I love to dig in the dirt. "It’s so calming, worthwhile and a really good way of keeping those dark dragons away, which I do have at times." She continued: "Not enough young people garden or even know how to.