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Vounder Therapy Garden

Horticultural Therapy in the Outer Estate

Gardening programmes for those experiencing health-related problems, designed to improve mental and physical wellbeing.

Run by our horticultural therapists, our Therapy Garden is tucked away at Eden in the Outer Estate, and is here to lift your spirits and make you feel at home.

What is Horticultural Therapy?

The benefits of gardening for physical health are well known, but did you know that gardening is also beneficial for people struggling with their mental health?

Recent work has shown that bugs in the soil boost the brain’s happy hormone, serotonin, which leads to improved mood. The same bugs reduce inflammation and can also help with conditions such as diabetes and asthma. Life really is better with muddy fingernails! 

Gardening can also be a great way to coax yourself outside and be sociable with like-minded others.

Horticultural Therapy participants

three people stood at fence in garden

We’re here to help

With the benefits of gardening in mind, we run sessions in our peaceful Outer Estate for those experiencing health-related problems. 

There are a number of different programmes to choose from, whether you’d just like a quiet space to be in nature, or you’d like to develop your practical gardening skills. You don’t need to be an experienced gardener to come along.

All sessions are delivered by our friendly horticultural therapists, Julia and James, and you’ll get the opportunity to meet like-minded others.

Programmes on offer

Vounder Therapy Garden

In the Therapy Garden

You’ll find a mixture of secluded spots and open areas. There are raised beds, a wildlife pond, polytunnels for growing, teaching and propagating, and a fire pit.

During your visits, there is time to appreciate your surroundings, to really see, smell, taste and feel the garden, which can help reduce anxiety and lift depression. Plus, if you’re trying to eat more healthily, harvesting what you’ve grown means there are plenty of chances to take home your five-a-day.

Join the programme

If you would like to join our horticultural therapy programme or find out more information, please complete the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Horticultural Therapy application form

Horticulture Therapy
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About the programme
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Health Works for Cornwall logo
European Social Fund logo
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Veterans Foundation
Defence Gardens Scheme

Support

As well as being part of our Nature’s Way project, we are funded by Health Works for Cornwall and the European Social Fund. Our Space to Grow programme is also supported by the Veterans Foundation and Defence Gardens Scheme.