Community Settings
Gardening in Community Settings
Are you a community development worker, member of an ‘In Bloom’ group or garden volunteer?
Are you gardening in a community setting?
Want to know how you can enrich the lives of those you support?
Then click on the links below for therapeutic gardening resources, relevant information and examples of community gardens supporting well-being.
Growing social capital in a community:
Lochend Community Growing Project started in 2011 and changed the lives of this Edinburgh community: creating a space where neighbours have a reason to meet and community groups have a place to garden. The supported, bottom-up approach ensures its sustainability – proved by the fact it’s still well used today, far beyond its initial two-year funding. Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lochendcommunitygrowing/
See reports below for photos & feedback from those involved in the initial years
Lochend Community Growing Project Final Report
Lochend Community Growing Project Progress Report
Supporting those with Dementia
Kirrie Connections
https://www.kirrieconnections.com/dementia-friendly-garden
This community garden in Kirriemuir, Angus is run by a dementia support organisation. Open for all to enjoy with weekly structured ’get your hands dirty’ gardening sessions for those with dementia
Community Garden Settings
Therapeutic gardening takes place in parks, community gardens, allotments and stalled spaces in towns, cities and villages across the country. Gardening groups can contain a cross section of the community or a specific client group.
Using green spaces in the community can
- encourage higher levels of physical activity and a reduction in long term conditions incl. heart disease, cancer and musculoskeletal conditions
- reduce obesity in children and young people
- weaken the effects of deprivation on health
- create a positive effect on mental health for all ages and socio-economic groups
- reduce loneliness and support well-being
There’s no downside to encouraging therapeutic gardening in the community.1
1The Kings Fund, https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/projects/improving-publics-health/access-green-and-open-spaces-and-role-leisure-services
GetGrowing Scotland is a new online network for communities and people growing food and other plants, and caring for and enjoying nature in their local area.