It is well known that gardening is a powerful therapeutic activity that promotes both mental and physical wellbeing. Engaging with nature is scientifically proven to reduce stress and lower anxiety. The repetitive actions of weeding, and pruning, have a calming effect, often described as a form of mindfulness, helping to focus and clear the mind.
The physical aspects of gardening — digging, lifting, and stretching — also improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Working in the garden fosters a sense of accomplishment and builds confidence and self-esteem. Spending time outdoors also exposes individuals to more sunlight, thus boosting vitamin D levels and supporting immune function and a healthy body.
Not least, the social element of gardening — whether through gardening together, joining up over a cup of tea, collaborating on projects or giving away plants and produce to friends — helps strengthen bonds, feelings of connection, and belonging.
This combination of nurturing the body, mind, and social connections therefore makes gardening an excellent holistic practice for wellbeing. In the context of the National Health Service (NHS) and mental wellbeing, gardening is absolutely able to meet all five principles of their framework for promoting mental well-being. Their acronym CLANG representing the “5 Ways to Wellbeing” stands for: Connect, Learn, be Active, take Notice, and Give.
How I work
I offer bespoke sessions in the garden with individuals wishing to benefit, who may otherwise not access the outdoors as regularly as they could or who simply would like the added benefit of social connection or guidance alongside an experienced gardener. It can also offer valuable respite to carers as the individual they care for engages in such a session.
Please note this is gardening for therapeutic value, but I am not a trained ‘talking therapist’. My role is to guide and support individuals access the healing powers of gardening for themselves. My background nonetheless is firmly rooted in health and wellbeing and I hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and an MSc in Human Nutrition. I trained with Thrive in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture in 2023, thanks to funding from the Finnis Scott Foundation managed by the Professional Gardeners’ Trust and volunteer with the Halland and East Hoathly Community Garden.
I am committed to a neurodiversity-affirming approach that respects individuality and promotes confidence and well-being and have experience working with anxiety, depression and learning disabilities, autism, adhd and PDA. I am currently an approved horticultural therapy practitioner with Southdown Housing Association, Brighton:
- Working one-on-one in a garden setting to support individuals with a range of different needs.
- Encouraging confidence, independence, and development through structured and sensory-based outdoor/gardening activities.
- Implementing person-centered approaches to meet individual goals.
If you are interested in this therapeutic aspect of gardening either for yourself or someone you care for, please do get in touch.
The gardening is carried out in the comfort and familiarity of your own garden.
Garden Regeneration 
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