Therapeutic Horticulture - Part 3 (A Quality of Life)

In our last article on therapeutic horticulture we spoke of the opportunities and working environment which may be available to those who may never be able to compete in the open job market but for whom opportunities to contribute in a meaningful way being crucial to their ongoing life.

Congratulations to Scope for their foresight in creating an environment of community within Thorngrove in North Dorset. Here is a nursery which was established in 1968 and has gone from strength to strength gaining an excellent reputation for cultivating a wide range of plants including shrubs, conifers, climbers, garden perennials,alpines, herbs, home plants as well as Summer and Autumn bedding and patio plants.

Their speciality is in the supply of hanging baskets and window box service. Practical workshops are held where their special technique in the creation of the hanging baskets is passed on to those wishing to improve their skills. They supply to the general public through their garden shop and to National Trust Centres. They also supply to towns competing in the National Britain in Bloom competition and supply floral displays and decorations to local agricultural shows.

It is a delight to walk through the impressive display of plants and hanging baskets in the large wooden and two metal greenhouses. The volunteers live in the nearby bungalows and approximately sixteen attend each day together with several 'outside' helpers. They are seen to be busy about their work in creating hanging baskets and attending to plants, thinning out, watering, etc. Others are in the potting shed planting into pots for transfer to the greenhouses.

There are three poly-tunnels for propagation. The external areas abound with shrubs, conifers, herbaceous plants, etc. There is truly a buzz of community spirit. The Centre helps to enable those that are disabled and disadvantaged to participate fully in the social and economic life of the community and would not exist if it were not for these service users.

Richard Robbins the Garden Centre manager who came to Thorngrove having worked in retail sales says, "I find real fulfilment in the community spirit of the operation here". John Lockyer the general shop assistant finds great satisfaction in meeting the customers each day. He has been at the Centre for 23 years since leaving school advancing through the various stages including the potting sheds, greenhouses and now in the shop. When asked why he was in the shop said "I chose to be here because I like being able to help other people and give advice where I can". He was seen to be very popular with the customers with his cheerful approach.

The aim of Scope is that disabled people achieve equality in a society in which they are as valued and have the same human and civil rights as everyone else. Those that buy from the Centre are helping the Charity fulfil their mission. Those that work here find that this activity of horticulture truly therapeutic.