A monthly gathering on Mondays for carers and those they support. Initially designed as respite time for carers, most choose to stay, getting involved in gardening or preparing lunch – either is fine!
Benefits of social and therapeutic horticulture:
Physical Health – gardening encourages movement, exercise, and time outdoors, promoting overall well-being.
Social Interaction – group activities help build relationships, combat loneliness, and develop social skills.
Skills – learning practical gardening skills boosts confidence and self-esteem. Caring for plants and watching them grow fosters a sense of purpose.
Therapeutic Environment – gardens provide a calming, sensory-rich space that supports relaxation, mindfulness, and mental well-being, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Timings
10.30am Arrive and settle with a cup of tea
11.00am Choice of activity. We’d like to invite participants to choose from a couple of options.
These might include:
A walk around the garden, harvesting salad and veg from raised beds, chopping vegetables for lunch, picking flowers for the table or some gentle gardening
11.45am Time for another cuppa and a biscuit
12.15pm A second opportunity to choose an activity, with the option to help set the table for lunch, or just hang out and chat or relax in the greenhouse
1pm Lunch Simple, hearty food – for example soup, salad and fresh bread
2pm Finish
We’re planning to run monthly (usually the last Monday of the month) and hope participants will make this a regular commitment
The first five dates in 2025 are as follows:
Monday 31st March 2025
Monday 28th April 2025
Monday 19th May 2025
Monday 30th June 2025
Monday 28th July 2025
It would be really helpful for carers to stick around initially, but with a view to being able to either leave if desired, or spend some time elsewhere on site.
If you’d like to attend, or have any questions, please contact Mark by email: mark@potagergarden.org
