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Vounder Therapy Garden

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

Run by our therapeutic horticulture practitioners, 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.

You will meet like-minded people, connect with nature and learn basic gardening skills while allowing the beautiful surroundings to soothe your mind. 

Activities are structured to enable people to do as much or as little as they wish and to work at their own pace and allow time to gradually build confidence and skills.

Booking is essential. For more information and to book a place, call 01726 818550 or email natureconnections@edenproject.com

This activity is part of our Nature Connections programme of activities for better health and wellbeing.

What is Therapeutic Horticulture

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! 

Therapeutic Horticulture allows the opportunity to:

  • Connect with nature – there are lots of health benefits associated with gardening and spending time in nature. 
  • Learn more about nature – be part of helping nature’s recovery by growing wildflowers, helping to create wildlife friendly habitats and growing food and flowers sustainably. 
  • Take time out – relax in a beautiful green space and leave stresses and strains at the garden gate. 
  • Meet new people - gardening can be a great way to coax yourself outside and be sociable with like-minded others.

Therapeutic Horticulture 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 therapeutic horticulture practitioners, 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 Therapeutic Horticulture programme or find out more information, please complete the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Therapeutic Horticulture application form

Therapeutic Horticulture
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About the programme
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Defence Gardens Scheme
Veterans Foundation
In partnership with Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity
Supported by NHS Charities Together