"Space to Grow" Garden Project
Social & Therapeutic Horticulture at Huntlyburn Ward
The ‘Space to Grow’ garden project at Huntlyburn is an innovative concept that allows patients the opportunity to leave the boundaries of the ward to spend time in the natural environment and is located only a stone’s throw away from Huntlyburn Mental Health unit.
The project provides an opportunity to utilize a sustainable resource which impacts positively on mental and physical wellbeing contributing to the patents’ recovery and return to independent living by allowing patients to participate in Social Therapeutic Horticultural (STH), be active outdoors and engage/explore/absorb the natural environment.
A growing body of evidence suggests that the natural environment boosts psychological and physical well-being, enhances mood and reduces distress. Specific studies show that STH can reduce depression and increase concentration, some claim that older adults who engage in activity in the natural environment can benefit from a reduction in stress related disorders and an increase in cognitions and alertness.
Benefits:
Giving patients structure to their day
Physical activity and an outlet for agitation
Source of peer support
New skills and knowledge gained
A sense of achievement and empowerment, boosting confidence and self belief
From digging and harvesting to growing plants from seed in the greenhouse, all levels of activity and fitness can be accommodated. The produce grown can be used for community meals, or sold as vegetable boxes or chutneys and the money is reinvested in the project.
“Having somewhere to go where I could go outside and immerse myself in something meaningful with visible results was invaluable to my recovery
”
The Space to Grow project received lottery funding, as well as numerous donations in order to landscape what is essentially a field on a slope with a greenhouse and a couple of sheds, into a horticultural space that people can spend time in. These storyboards help document that journey.
“It gave me a reason to focus and a reason to be.”
The "garden" is envisaged as being a communal space with sweeping paths that are wheelchair accessible, quiet places to sit and contemplate the sounds of the garden, areas to grow flowers, vegetables and fruits, a polytunnel in which fresh fruit and vegetables could be grown for the hospital to use in the kitchen, and sheds for storing the tools and garden equipment in. In the longer term, this garden could be used in the holistic treatment of many conditions, not just mental health. Gentle gardening as exercise for cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack. Macmillan cancer support groups for post cancer patients building up their stamina post surgery or chemotherapy. Healthy living classes for patients trying to lose weight where they can come and help in the gardens in exchange for fresh fruit and vegetables. Mindfulness classes for patients with depression and anxiety to reconnect with nature. Physiotherapy classes outside in the fresh air on the grass lawns. Dementia walks in the wildflower meadows. The possibilities are endless!
