I was delighted to write an article for the online magazine Care Home Management about bringing gardening activities into care homes and the benefits for residents. In recent years research and pilot projects have shown that time spent out in nature and meaningful nature-based activities bring significant wellbeing benefits to people of all ages. Gardening is the most familiar, accessible and...
Seasonal Gardening activities improve wellbeing at Dementia Cafés & Peer Support Groups These meetings, run by The Alzheimer’s Society in Kent and Medway for people living with dementia provide vital support, information and a space to socialise. The meetings include activities to stimulate and engage the attendees through reminiscence, use of different senses, creativity and fun. Since 2016, I have been providing...
Predicting the future and fashion trends is something of a mug’s game but I am interested in the general direction of travel for gardening; not the cat walk world of show garden design but the role of gardening in people’s lives and communities. Over the last few years I have seen three influences develop that can complement and combine to...
In August 2018 I spoke on the Health Matters Radio Show for Kent Channel Radio, interviewed by Neil D’Silva. Together Caroline Alldis, Natural Mindfulness practitioner and I explained how Gardening for the Mind blends the benefits of gardening and mindfulness and how we came to work together to offer these unique workshops. Listen to the radio interview here https://www.gardeningbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardening-for-the-Mind-Health-Matters-Radio.mp3 Hear the whole show (no. 33)...
What better combination is there than visiting a lovely garden and enjoying tea and cake, knowing that you are supporting a good cause? Of course I am talking about the wonderful summer institution of ‘gardens open for charity’, whether these are via the National Gardens Scheme in the UK (aka The Yellow Book) or individual and village openings, often for...
The Wealden Times 2017 Midsummer Fair included a Garden Hub and Healthy Living Festival and to highlight this I wrote an article on the benefits of getting out into a garden for the June 2017 issue. You can find the online magazine here move the slider bar to page 171 for “Plant Therapy” Full text of the article It’s official. Gardening is good for...
As gardeners we know that gardening is good for you. Here are just a few of the benefits that you get from gardening. Share with friends and family who are so busy looking after their wellbeing that they think that they do not have time for gardening and let’s convert a few more people! Whether allotment, garden or balcony gardening takes...
