Rachel Healy, Marketing and Communications Manager at Share Community who run the Share Community Garden and Nurseries in Tooting talks about the healing power of horticulture...

The positive effects of gardening on our wellbeing are well documented. Being out in the garden lifts your mood and makes you aware of your senses. Ask most people who like getting out in the garden why they do it and they’ll tell you it makes them feel better. Caring for plants gives us a sense of responsibility. Perhaps we’re all natural nurturers, looking after something and seeing it grow fulfils a basic need which in turn boosts our self-esteem.

The fact that there is such a thing as a ‘horticulture therapist’ is proof of this. Gardening is known to have a calming effect and helps with anxiety. Not just from the exercise that releases happy hormones but from the cathartic power of connecting with nature. It helps us relax and sleep better too.

It’s especially beneficial for those who find everyday activities challenging. At the Share Community garden we help people with learning disabilities build confidence and develop valuable skills in a safe and calm environment. Students learn about gardening from our specialised horticulture training team. They develop key employability skills like customer service and how to work as part of a team. This helps them become more independent, happy and fulfilled.
 

Right now our garden and nursery are flourishing. All plants are grown and cultivated by our students and they’re available to buy. This means that by supporting this local social enterprise you’re making a real difference to people’s lives.

All good reasons to get your gardening on and get down to Share Nurseries. There’s still plenty of summer left to spruce up your garden or patio. You don’t even need a garden. A balcony offers ample space for a few pots and even a few plants in a window box or containers on a window ledge will do.

We may talk fairly regularly about the Share garden in this blog, but that’s because it’s one of Tooting’s hidden gems! An unexpected oasis of calm tucked away within a walled garden in the grounds of Springfield University Hospital.

Share Nurseries stocks a wide range of plants and is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. Find us here.
 

Share Community is a registered charity that provides training and employment support for disabled adults, including those with learning disabilities, autism, physical/sensory impairments and mental health needs. To find out more about Share’s work or how you can get involved, visit our website at www.sharecommunity.org.uk 

This article would not be possible without the support of our fantastic Community Partners. Click here to find out more.