Therapeutic Horticulture in the Outer Estate

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.

JOIN THE PROGRAMME

Horticultural Therapist Julia standing amongst plants in polytunnel

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

Programmes on offer

About these sessions:
Our ‘Introduction to Gardening’ sessions invite you to garden in a peaceful environment, to help improve wellbeing. We incorporate some art-based activities too, and there is the option to do, willow weaving and bush craft.

Who are they for?
People who are feeling fed up, in need of company, or who just want to do something different with their days.

When are the sessions?
Week days 10am – 1pm. Further information available by emailing natureconnections@edenproject.com or calling 01726 818550

How do I join?
Please complete this form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

About these sessions:
Leading on from our ‘Introduction to Gardening’, these are structured sessions to build gardening skills and increase confidence and wellbeing.

This course includes the opportunity to try out a range of horticulture techniques and traditional natural crafts, such as willow weaving and green wood working. We also incorporate art activities and outdoor cooking.

Who are they for?
People who are feeling fed up, in need of company, or who just want to do something different with their days.

When are the sessions?
Week days 10am – 1pm. Further information available by emailing natureconnections@edenproject.com or calling 01726 818550

How do I join?
Please complete this form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

About these sessions:
Structured sessions to extend your gardening skills, horticultural knowledge, confidence and wellbeing.

We offer the opportunity to do the RHS Level 1 in Horticulture and to gain an accredited horticulture qualification.

Who are they for?
People who are feeling fed up, in need of company, or who just want to do something different with their days.

When are the sessions?
Week days 10am – 1pm. Further information available by emailing natureconnections@edenproject.com or calling 01726 818550

How do I join?
Please complete this form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

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.

Contact details

First name

Last name

Confirm email

Phone

About you

Employment status

Education status

Age

About the programme

Which sessions are you interested in?

Introduction to Gardening

Skill Building Gardening

Expert Gardening

I’m not sure, I’d like more information

Anything else you want to ask or let us know

Please let us know if you have any specific questions about the programme, or if there’s anything else you’d like to share

Frequently Asked Questions

Please wear suitable clothing to keep you comfortable, whatever the weather conditions. Layers are often a good way to adapt to our unpredictable weather. Please wear flat, strong outdoor footwear, such as wellies, walking boots or trainers. We have a range of waterproof jackets and boots available for the sessions so please don’t be put off because you don’t have suitable outdoor clothing.

We’ve tried to make the garden as accessible as possible. However, there are different surfaces and levels in the therapy garden, which might make walking or using a wheel chair a little bit more challenging for someone with significant mobility difficulties. We would be happy to discuss your access needs in more detail over the telephone and to arrange a visit before you register for sessions.