Burnt-out Woman Finds Healing and Hope in Gardening After Moving from London to the Cotswolds

Kathy Slack was once a high-flying advertising executive, living a jetset lifestyle in London. But by her mid-30s, she found herself overwhelmed by burnout, anxiety, and depression. Seeking a better work-life balance, she and her husband relocated to the Cotswolds, only to discover that her new commute was longer and that her struggles persisted.

Unable to work, Kathy spent many days confined to bed until her mother gently encouraged her outside. Sitting together with a cup of tea among an overgrown vegetable patch, Kathy began to notice the small wonders of nature—the weeds, worms, and insects. Though it wasn’t an instant cure, this simple moment sparked a shift inside her.

Her mother gave her some seeds to sow, and a few weeks later, radishes and lettuces began to grow. Watching these seeds transform from nothing into nourishing food fascinated Kathy. Food and cooking had always interested her, and this newfound connection ignited a deep passion.

Kathy went on to document her journey from depression to healing in her book, Rough Patch. She left advertising to work as a fruit picker on an organic farm and later pursued cooking, teaching, and writing. Now 47, she devotes every free moment to gardening and credits it with saving her life.

“Vegetables didn’t magically fix everything,” Kathy explains, “but gardening helped me discover my true values and gave me a creative, calming outlet. It grounded me in reality, the real life I needed.”

Today, Kathy cultivates about 20 meters of garden in three raised beds, tends an allotment, and grows produce on nearby hobby farms. For her, spring represents a fresh start—just like a New Year—and she shares five spring gardening tasks that can boost wellbeing:

Sow Seeds: Start with easy, fast-growing vegetables like radishes and peas. Radishes provide quick gratification, brightening dreary February days. Peas are hardy and can be harvested multiple times for pea shoots or full-sized peas.
Get Hands Dirty: Compost is magic. Turning and spreading nutrient-rich compost in spring feeds your plants and your mind. Contact with healthy soil exposes you to beneficial bacteria that trigger serotonin release, boosting mood.
Plan Your Growing Year: Physically browse seed catalogues to dream and plan your garden. Choosing varieties excites and inspires, bringing hope for the coming season.
Get Physical: Engage in outdoor gardening tasks like wheelbarrowing compost or pulling weeds. Even simple movements boost endorphins and promote mental health.
Grow Windowsill Herbs: If outdoor space is limited, herbs like basil can be grown indoors. Adding fresh herbs to meals brings a sense of accomplishment and connection with nature.

Kathy’s story reminds us how tending to the earth can nurture our spirits. Gardening is more than a hobby—it’s a healer, a teacher, and a source of joy.