Gardening with Multiple Sclerosis

The Difficulty Veronica, who lives in a New York suburb, has MS and, as a keen gardener, was disheartened that digging in her garden and transplanting perennials had become too tiring for her to continue doing. “Gardening would drain my energy within minutes of attempting to weed, dig, or do anything and the gardening tools … Continue reading Gardening with Multiple Sclerosis

Gardening with Spinal Injuries

The Difficulty John is in his 80’s and is a tetraplegic after a fall from a ladder whilst pruning an apple tree. John suffered a broken neck and severe spinal cord injuries which left him totally paralysed and wheelchair-bound. Fortunately, some feeling and movement gradually returned to one side of his body. With help and … Continue reading Gardening with Spinal Injuries

Gardening with Fibromyalgia

The Difficulty When Morgan Hands was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a common form of arthritis causing joint and muscle pain, she thought her gardening days were over. It was becoming increasingly difficult for her to spend much time gardening as she would get tired after doing very little. It was extremely frustrating and because of her … Continue reading Gardening with Fibromyalgia

The Benefits of Green Social Prescribing

Horticultural Therapy is a recognised therapeutic approach that uses gardening activities to enhance mental and physical well-being, such as improved motor skills and increased activity levels. Gardening fosters social connections, helping combat loneliness and encouraging a sense of purpose. Horticultural Therapy is one of the activities offered through Green Social Prescribing—the practice of recommending nature-based … Continue reading The Benefits of Green Social Prescribing

Growing Support

NAME: Dale Cranshaw, Director ORGANISATION: Growing Support CIC DIFFICULTY ENCOUNTERED: Primarily we work with older people and people with dementia in their own care home gardens. Many of the residents we support in our social and therapeutic gardening sessions find it difficult to handle and lift traditional gardening tools due to the tools weight and … Continue reading Growing Support