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The team at Russell Clinic has been working hard to turn their garden into a bright and busy space for healing and activity. With help from a polytunnel and creative use of outdoor space, patients and staff have worked together to grow flowers and vegetables.

Gardening isn't just a fun hobby - it can also help people feel better, both in body and mind. Spending time in nature has been shown to lower stress, boost mood and confidence, and even help with things like blood pressure. At Russell Clinic, gardening is being used to support patients as they recover and improve their wellbeing.

With guidance from staff, patients have successfully grown a wide range of vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, yacons and pumpkins. Some of these fresh ingredients have already been used in group cook sessions, making meals more tasty and nutritious.

The pumpkins are growing well and on track for an autumn harvest. Yacon plants, which is good for patients on low-calorie diets, will be harvested later in the year. However, not every plant has flourished. The cabbages fell victim to a group of very hungry caterpillars, but the flower beds are blooming, with sweet peas, zinnias and cosmos adding bright colours and joy to the garden.

This initiative is an example of how therapeutic horticulture can help people feel more connected and give them a sense of purpose. It's a great way to support recovery and build confidence.

Melanie Joslin, Business Administration Coordinator, said: "A big thank you to Helen Crowe, Trainee Occupational Therapist, for leading the project and to everyone who helped by giving seeds, cuttings and their time."

Left: Some of the lovely flowers from the garden. Middle: Lettuces before the caterpillars started eating them. Right: Foods grown, picked and used in the cooking group.