According to statistics, the pandemic created 18.3 million new gardeners - most being millennials - and existing gardeners spent 42% greater time gardening.

So, why is the garden the best place to be (in our humble opinion):

1. The great outdoors. Being outside in the fresh air, especially in green spaces, has been shown to decrease stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate. Really it’s a win win. Whether that be in your garden or a walk to your local park, just 20 minutes has been shown to provide these benefits.

2. Socialising. Picture this, a BBQ in the garden with one of your favourite refreshing summertime cocktails. Whether that be during the day on a weekend or in the evening on one of those balmy light evenings - is there a better vibe?

3. Growing your own garnishes. Looking to go a bit more..well, local? There’s no place closer than your own home. Grab a large pot, get some soil and firmly plant your favourite herbs such as mint, thyme, rosemary and maybe even strawberries. You’ve now made the perfect alcohol-free pimms pot.

The JOMO May Box welcomed Allotment Drinks who shares our love for the garden. In fact, they love it so much they have created two sparkling drinks from the British Garden.

Low in sugar, home grown flowers and using natural botanical extracts, Allotment Drinks are unearthing new flavour combinations which can be enjoyed on their own or mixed with your favourite non-alcoholic spirits for the perfect zero proof Summer drink.

We asked Founder, Claire Oxley why the garden was so important to her, ‘Since getting our dog, Geordie, six years ago, I was spending more time outside on walks and I began to notice the changes in the hedgerows as I walked a regular route. My first forage was for sloes and rosehips in the Autumn, then elderflowers in the early Summer for cordial making. I can often be spotted clambering through a hedge!’

From then, Claire became interested by the folklore and science of companion planting. This is when you plant flowers and herbs near crops to ward off pests or attract pollinators. ‘Borage is a fantastic companion to strawberries, as the stunning blue flowers attract bees which then pollinates the strawberry plants to increase yields.’

Luckily, Claire has done all that hard work for us and we have the absolute pleasure of tasting her allotment creation.

Barbarilla Soda takes rhubarb and anise to create a natural tartness. Lightly sparkling and low sugar, the punch comes from the anise to boost its natural flavour.

We would recommend sipping this over ice or pairing it with an aperitif such as Wilfred’s, Fluére Raspberry or Pentire.

Hipstar Soda takes rosehip, borage and meadowsweet for a light aroma of the rosehip with a subtle cucumber-esque taste.

We would recommend sipping this over ice or pairing it with a clear non-alcoholic spirit such as New London Light, Bax Botanics or Fluére Original.

JOMO’s May Cocktail was named the ‘Garden Spritz’ paired with Barbarilla Soda and 50ml APRTF garnished with an orange (or dehydrated rhubarb for maximum effect!)

If you missed out trying Allotment Drinks, you can explore their full range on their website here. You can also enter ‘BARB15’ for 15% off at checkout.

We hope you enjoy your garden moment.