What equipment is needed?
· A gardening fork and spade
· Watering can and easy access to water
· Compost, seeds and plants
· Gardening gloves
· A shed or somewhere to store equipment is very useful and can also be used as a shelter from the sun and rain
· Seats for rest breaks
· Close access to toilet facilities
Are there volunteer opportunities?
Helpers are required to provide support with the heavier roles of gardening, for example turning and digging the soil. Volunteers can also play an essential role in supporting and encouraging older people to take part in gardening activities.
What are the potential costs?
· Rent for the site or allotment
· Storage space for equipment
· Gardening tools and equipment
· Compost, seed and plants
Contacts
Thrive is a small national charity that uses gardening to change the lives of disadvantaged and disabled people. Thrive delivers short courses in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. Thrive runs a website www.carryongardening.org.uk which provides practical gardening tips for disabled gardeners. Also see www.thrive.co.uk
For further information in your local area:
Age UK Northallerton – Tel: 01609 771624
Northdale Horticulture – Tel: 01609 770269
Age UK North Yorkshire is a Registered Charity (number 1124567) and Company Limited by Guarantee (number 6456185). Registered Office: 9 North Park Road, Harrogate, HG1 5PD. 05/14
Brief details of the activities
Gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits for people of all ages and abilities, including older people. It provides exercise, enjoyment, fresh food and can promote intergenerational links. Gardens can be adapted to meet the needs of those participating – for example, using raised beds and modified tools. If someone is not physically able to join in, they can share their gardening knowledge and expertise, or just enjoy the pleasant environment.
Fit as a Fiddle has developed various ways to deliver gardening sessions, including the following:
1 Plot to Plate projects grow their own fruit and vegetables and find healthy recipes on how to prepare them. The project encourages healthy eating alongside getting fit and active.
2 Allotments are a popular way to deliver gardening activities. These activities are often reliant on the availability of local allotments. Age UK North Yorkshire and Northdale Horticulture work in partnership on a Dig for Victory themed allotment in Northallerton. Volunteers are essential for an allotment scheme, to help lead on the actual project and to help with some of the more demanding jobs, for example turning soil.
3 Gardening Circles are very successful when delivered in sheltered housing complexes – a group of people meet in their own gardens or in a communal garden to offer support and friendship by working together. A gardening circle will bring people together to develop their physical wellbeing and knowledge about plants, gardening and healthy eating.
What are the benefits?
Everyone can benefit from gardening and older people can get particular benefits because gardening:
· is an enjoyable form of exercise and maintains mobility and flexibililty
· encourages use of all motor skills and improves endurance and strength
· provides stimulation and interest in nature and the outdoors
· improves wellbeing as a result of social interaction
· provides nutritious, home-grown produce
Are there professional requirements?
· It is important to carry out a risk assessment of the area you are working on or in because this will help to identify any hazards you may come across, and help to alleviate the risk.
· Ensure the safe storage of any chemicals and garden equipment.
There are a few safety tips that older people and their carers should follow. These include:
· Securing gates and fences if participants have memory loss
· Ensuring that paths and walkways are flat and non–slip
· Warming up before gardening and encouraging frequent breaks
· Preventing sun exposure by working in the garden early in the morning or late in the day, wearing a hat, applying sunscreen frequently and ensuring participants are well hydrated.
· Wearing protective shoes, lightweight comfortable clothes that cover exposed skin and gardening gloves
Are there environmental / space requirements?
Gardening usually takes place outdoors. However there are gardening activities that take can place indoors, for example, planting seeds, pricking out young plants and re-potting. Raised beds with access around each bed will make gardening accessible for people using wheelchairs and if the raised bed is substantial, it can be used to sit on while gardening.
The size of the plot of land will depend on the availability of a suitable site and the likely number of participants. Small plots can be used in the grounds of a care home or sheltered housing, with the permission of the housing association. If you are considering applying for an allotment, there can be a long waiting list. It is wise to contact your local authority at the very beginning of the planning stage.
It is worth having a notice board near the plot or garden you are working in so that different groups can leave messages for each other, and inform the next group about the work that has been carried out.