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New year, new seeds, planning and seasonal crafts

January 31, 2024

New year, new seed donation from Mr.Fothergills, so our thanks go out once again. It is very much appreciated as we plan for the year ahead. We have started an early sowing of sweet pea seeds, a few herbs and winter salads. Good homes have been found for the paving slabs originally intended for the village green and we will be able to put the money donated to good use to buy some plant trollies after all the seed sowing yet to come.

Following on from the Christmas wreath making we have spare willow, donated by Rutland Willow. Our first attempt to rehydrate it in the water butt was hampered by the frost but the ice has thawed, and we now have usable willow. This has sparked ideas for new seasonal crafts and projects including seasonal wreaths and plant supports.

Willow plant support
We have been experimenting with the willow to try and create a plant support which could be replicated during sessions with patients. Steve very kindly made the proto type and we tried to replicate a version of this over two sessions with two different patients. It was an ideal opportunity to work as a team, problem solve and adapt our technique to produce a tangible end result. Dexterity and grip strength are essential skills to physically complete the task. Different working heights, as we moved further up the plant support, enabled a variety of working positions in standing. The potential for creative expression is endless by including different styles and incorporating different materials into the design. The perfect activity for a sense of achievement.

Seasonal wreaths
We have always intended to make seasonal wreaths and have finally made a start with a view to making some for Spring and Easter. Steve has been looking for foliage suitable for creating fresher looking wreaths with a pop of colour. Hebe, rosemary, bay, and lonicera have been the order of the day, with colour provided by the purple hebe flowers and inclusion of red and yellow dogwood. I think this will provide countless opportunities for creative expression, sensory stimulation and learning about seasonal plants.

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Steve making willow plant support

31/01/2024

Willow plant support

31/01/2024

Seasonal wreath

31/01/2024