AFTER a stressful day at work, many people find gardening is a great way to unwind.

But horticultural therapist Joanna Wise takes it one step further, and argues in her new book - Digging for Victory: Horticultural Therapy with Veterans for Post-Traumatic Growth - getting out in the garden can be a great way to help combat mental health problems.

Through her work with horticultural therapy organisation Gardening Leave based at The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, she has helped many veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"I come from a military family, my father served in the RAF and I had somewhat military-style upbringing and I think there is a certain ethos in the armed forces which you recognise because of this upbringing," explains Joanna, who lives in Golders Green.

She continues: "Because there are different values and ethics it is very hard for civilians and service personnel to really understand one another.

"It can be particularly difficult if you are struggling with mental health difficulties. You can feel quite alienated. The particularly makes it difficult to find the correct sort of help in the mental health service in the NHS.

"What I love about Gardening Leave is it is very much tuned into veteran needs and very in tune with the world they come from."

In her book, the psychologist considers the evidence for gardening's potential to improve both mental and physical well-being, as well as providing veterans - many of whom are recently returned from Afghanistan - with the skills to integrate more easily back into 'civvy street'.

Joanna, who studied psychology at Birkbeck, University of London, has worked as a horticultural therapist both with veterans and pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and for Thrive, the National Charity for Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.

She has also volunteered for many years for Highgate charity the Harington Scheme, which provides horticultural training and work experience to help young people with learning difficulties into work.

"I am a keen supporter of all these charities as they play a vital and as yet undervalued role - every penny of profit from my book will go to support this important work," she says.

Digging for Victory is available from karnacbooks.com and amazon.co.uk