Gardening helped grief
The benefits of community gardening
What do you do if you long for a garden but don’t have any outdoor space? Welcome to the world of community gardening…
by Punteha van Terheyden
With its beautiful and historic town centre, Faversham, Kent, holds a certain kind of charm. And tucked away in the middle of the bustling high street is a secret garden that is not just a sight to behold, but a place where magic really happens.
The Abbey Physic Community Garden (APCG) is a half-acre walled garden filled with vegetable patches, flowers in bloom all year round, an idyllic pond, a makeshift coffee hut, and so much more.
It’s open to the public every day, costs nothing to enjoy and is run by six part-time staff, and heavily bolstered by a small and dedicated army of volunteers. APCG is just one of thousands of community garden projects up and down the country, bringing untold joy and peace for those who need it most.
Manager Suzanne Campbell, 57, says, ‘We rely on a core set of 35 volunteers who keep the garden thriving, but you don’t have to volunteer here to enjoy it. Everyone is welcome.’
Originally set up 25 years ago as a space for people with mental health issues to come and do little tasks to regain their confidence, it’s now bloomed into life, with 6000 guests passing through its gates every year.
‘It’s grown into this amazing network of people, young and old,’ Suzanne explains, ‘who come to help us, enjoy the grounds or simply see a friendly face.’
APCG not only provides all the tools volunteers need to help grow vegetables like squash and rhubarb, plant flowers, tend to the beehives, make hot drinks for visitors or build things in the wood shop, but also acts as a safe haven for those in need.
‘It’s such an easy place to get to know people and our guests often make lifelong friends here,’ Suzanne adds.
‘You can come along and have a cup of tea and a Jaffa cake in our Happy Café, or join in with activities and classes. You don’t have to buy a uniform or come regularly. Whenever you do come, you’ll be greeted with a smile and friendly conversation.’
The positive impact community gardens like this one bring are being increasingly recognised by the medical profession, with GPs prescribing time there for patients who are suffering anxiety, depression or loneliness.
But there are no requirements for those who attend, with plenty to do for all types. Be it mums with babies or toddlers popping by for a go in the mud garden, or those with physical disabilities who can come along to pot some seeds in the accessible greenhouse or simply enjoy a hot drink and kind conversation.
Suzanne’s garden has been such a success in the local community, it is now a registered charity giving back to all the volunteers who’ve put their time and back into nurturing this safe-haven, helping local schools with educational visits for the children or holding ‘death’ cafes, where bereaved locals can gather together to find comfort and companionship.
To find out more, visit abbeyphysic.org
Life after loss
Roy Pearce, 70, lives in Wincham, Cheshire and volunteers at Grozone Community Garden in nearby Northwich.
My wife Carole and I had just returned from a trip to celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary in May 2018, when she collapsed at home with a heart attack. She died in my arms, aged 66.
Afterwards, I felt lost. Carole had always been my soulmate and though we’d shared two children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren, we had always been in a happy bubble, the two of us.
When I lost Carole, that bubble burst. I didn’t know how to live without her and I struggled to cope, finding it hard to sleep at night.
After three months, my daughter Amanda, who along with our family, was worried for my wellbeing, told me about Grozone, a local community garden that needed volunteers.
Carole and I had always enjoyed gardening together so I gave it a go and loved it. It helped me to help others there, and I went along three days a week, gardening for six hours a day. I began sleeping again, and found the garden a lifeline.
I miss Carole every day, but Grozone has helped me gain my independence back. I’d recommend anyone to pop along to their local community garden, no matter their ability or circumstances. There is something for everyone.
Grozone provides social and horticultural therapy. For more information, visit grozone.org.uk