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LIFE BEYOND THE MILITARY – OUTDOORS
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A New Year, a new project and new skills to learn that benefit the mental health of our patients.

January 31, 2021

The New Year and gardening season starts amidst a snowy wintry lockdown. We still have patients to see, and so delivery of Horticultural Therapy continues. Life goes on, seeds are sown, new seedlings are emerging, bulbs are peeking through and the Greenhouse begins to gradually fill again. We have permission to develop our therapeutic garden areas with another set of raised beds next to the Greenhouse. This will provide additional, accessible growing space, a pergola for much needed shade in the summer and hopefully will be a shared space for staff and patients alike, to appreciate the peace and calm that nature brings. We look forward to sharing the progress we make with this project with you over the months ahead.

Rose pruning and hardwood cuttings

We have been pruning the shrub roses donated by our friends Hortus Loci in the raised beds in the Pears walled garden and using the plant material to take hardwood cuttings. A great opportunity to learn about the principles of pruning and different methods of propagation. Working at the raised beds enabled patients to work on standing tolerance, but also to learn how to pace an activity by changing position when needed to better manage pain. Focus and concentration, manual dexterity to make accurate cuts with the secateurs, decision making to know where to cut, a chance to learn new skills are all therapeutic benefits of these activities. However, the overwhelming feedback we get from our patients, time and time again is the benefit to mental health.

Trellis

I have really enjoyed doing an online course with Trellis on Winter Gardening activities. It has been an opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge, and has provided ideas for different horticultural activities with patients. I was particularly taken with their Winter windowsill crops and have successfully started growing nifty spring onions, pea shoots and winter salad leaves with patients.

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Jane

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

 

Pruned shrub roses.

Hardwood cuttings.

Sowing Leek seeds.

Greenhouse in winter.

Snowman.

Daffodil – signs of spring.