A busy month of Support, Development and Sales

June 10, 2024

May has been busy. We had a visit from Severn Trent for a corporate volunteering day to support us with some long overdue maintenance to our areas. The weather was on our side and our team of volunteers helped us to dismantle the unused chicken coop which has now gone to a good home. The sheds, summerhouse and planters have all been painted and are looking much smarter for it. Thanks to all who gave their time, energy and effort on that day.

More recently we held our main plant sale of the year for all staff at DMRC and received a total of £628 in donations. It was a distinctly rainy day but lots of people attended, and we had a good selection of both flowering and edible plants. We couldn’t have done it without our garden volunteers so thanks as always to them.

Plant Identification and Planning

Not all aspects of gardening are practical and hands on. This month has seen me delivering sessions walking around the therapeutic garden areas looking at and identifying different plants. This has provided a learning opportunity for those interested in developing a leisure interest in gardening. Learning about different plant types and ways of growing has supported them in thinking about how to develop their own garden at home with a view to continuing to engage in this activity in the longer term. It also invites a sensory experience in the moment, to take time to focus on the colours, scents, and textures of the garden and listen to the wildlife within it. Connection such as this is so good for the spirit and is a form of gentle exercise useful as part of physical recovery.

Community Visit

We also ventured off site to support a patient in the process of transitioning from the unit to his own flat in the community. We had chance to explore the garden attached to the property and plan what plants to keep, how to maintain them and what could be removed, as well as starting the process of clearing out of the borders. An inventory of useful tools is next on the agenda to help support him in maintaining and developing the garden. This has been a useful opportunity to enable a longstanding patient with an interest in horticulture to sustain this interest long into the future.

HG adheres to the latest government and unit policy in preventing the spread of COVID-19

CO attends the plant sale

Farm shop open

Severn Trent lunch break

Severn Trent shed painting

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