Gardening together brings spark of joy to daily life
Find out how community growing supports the members of Tadpole Garden Village in Bloom
Researchers across the world are increasingly looking at the ways gardening and being outdoors can improve our health – from exploring the role of colour and scent on stress reduction, to evidencing how living closer to green spaces can result in less mental distress.
Pete Welsh, Chairman of Tadpole Garden Village in Bloom, shares what community gardening means to him and what gardening groups can do to incorporate gardening for wellbeing.
How does spending time outdoors make you feel?
Has growing positively impacted your own physical or mental wellbeing?
I have personal experience with poor mental health, being involved in community gardening takes my mind off my health and gives me a chance to concentrate on developing new skills, socialising and being in a relaxing environment – keeping busy means I’m less likely to think about my triggers.
In the wider group, there are people that don’t have their own garden or easy access to green space. Coming together has helped us combat the loneliness and isolation that some of these group members face. This was particularly highlighted during the pandemic, with many members seeing our gardening projects as ways to meet up and share our hobby in a safe and welcoming setting.
How do you share the benefits of growing with others?
As a group, we regularly post across our social media profiles, sharing RHS wellbeing projects and linking in with Mental Health Awareness Week to help spread the word about our work and how it can support people. We know that volunteers have busy lives and it’s important to recognise this. We don’t ask too much but instead allow them to give more if they feel they can, and highlight the individual as well as community benefits.
Members of Tadpole Garden Village in Bloom grow their own fruit and vegetables and spread the word about the importance of a healthy lifestyle
Have any of your community projects been planned specifically with wellbeing in mind?
All our projects are designed with wellbeing and accessibility in mind. We’re particularly proud of the refurbishment of a garden at Great Western Hospital in Swindon for dementia patients. The garden is now a pleasant space for patients as well as a place where relatives can spend quality time with their families.
A Tadpole Garden Village in Bloom hospital project
Do you have any advice for gardening groups looking to make their projects inclusive for all?
When you plan a project, take time to think ‘would this work for everyone?’ If not, what adjustments can you make? This could be something as simple as ensuring there are kneeling pads for people who struggle to kneel, to creating clear and level pathways or quiet spots for people who may become overwhelmed in loud or busy spaces. For everyone’s mental health, it’s important to carve out time in your meetings for fun – socialise and celebrate the work you’ve done together. Make sure to recognise everyone’s efforts and the value they bring, not just to the wider community and environment, but also to each other on a personal level.
For more inspiration about growing for wellbeing, explore our resources.
