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LIFE BEYOND THE MILITARY – OUTDOORS
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Watering becomes a key activity as the heat wave continues and patients are invited to work in the SSAFA Chelsea Garden at Norton House.

July 31, 2022

The heat and lack of rain continues making the all-important job of watering more of a challenge. The produce basket of our home-grown veg and flowers is still being well used. We have harvested onions and garlic for use in cooking sessions with the Occupational Therapists as part of rehabilitation to practise daily living skills. Namely onions and garlic with plenty of chillies on the way. Planting out, potting on, harvesting and watering have been key activities this month.

Village Green

The Village Green is progressing well. All the raised beds are now filled with topsoil; helped by some of the staff who came down one lunchtime and in the space of less than an hour we had filled one of the large raised beds. We really appreciate the support from all involved on the Unit. The pergola posts and frame are in with the rafters being fitted as we speak. Another bed has been planted with patients in a group session. We have used shrubs, some of which came from Headley Court, and an apple tree also grafted by one of the Headley Court patients. All in all, it’s starting to take shape and will provide us with a wider range of therapeutic activities for patient sessions.

Norton House

We were lucky enough to be invited to help with the planting of the SSAFA Chelsea Garden at Norton House, Stanford. Over four sessions we took eight patients and four staff to plant out a variety of perennials and shrubs. The garden has a range of different height planters, and some ground level beds which provided a variety of working heights and positions to suit different patient needs from standing to sitting to kneeling. It’s also a very tranquil and peaceful space to spend time in to support mental health and wellbeing. Amanda Waring, the designer was on hand for one session to explain how she had designed for planters for those patients with an interest in landscaping and design. We are hoping to continue delivering some Horticultural Therapy sessions here in the future.

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

Smiling sunflowers in the walled garden.

Fresh daily produce.

Neuro garden herb planter.

Norton House Chelsea Garden.

Norton House Chelsea Garden

Andy and Amanda Waring discussing her Chelsea garden at Norton House.