Life

Casual Gardener: Holywood wellbeing

A newly-opened garden in north Down aims to enhance individual and community wellbeing...

Horticure lecturer Claire Dunwoody at Serc's new Wellbeing Garden in Holywood. Picture by Hugh Russell
Horticure lecturer Claire Dunwoody at Serc's new Wellbeing Garden in Holywood. Picture by Hugh Russell Horticure lecturer Claire Dunwoody at Serc's new Wellbeing Garden in Holywood. Picture by Hugh Russell

GARDENERS have long been wise to the benefits of their favourite hobby for physical and mental wellbeing. Eighteen months ago, during the first lockdown, our gardens became havens in the midst of what for many was a very worrying time. They provided a distraction through a variety of chores and projects, and also a space where we could feel safe and relaxed.

Research earlier this year from the Royal Horticultural Society concluded that people who garden just two to three times a week have a a better well-being rating and lower stress levels.

It's such science and common sense that has informed the creation of a new garden in north Down that aims to be an asset to both education and community cohesion.

South Eastern Regional College's (Serc) Wellbeing Garden at the Holywood campus was officially opened on Thursday.

Supported by £6,000 of funding via Ulster Garden Villages and overseen by the Serc horticultural team, with support from volunteers and students, the project is the first step towards providing a peaceful and therapeutic space to be utilised by the local community.

According to Serc horticultural lecturer Claire Dunwoody, funding was secured on the basis that the area in which the garden is located has a higher-than-average population aged over 65, with attendant issues of isolation and in some cases disability and dementia. The funding was approved early last year but due to lockdown restrictions, building work was delayed.

Claire said the project's aim is to use plants and gardening skills to improve physical and mental health, as well as developing communication and thinking skills.

"This new facility will be a safe and secure place to meet the physical mental and spiritual needs of local people, allowing social interaction, practical activity and relaxation," she told The Irish News ahead of the opening.

There are several elements to the garden, which overlooks Redburn Country Park. It has been created in an existing space across 750 sq m and comprises a sensory garden with scented roses and shrubs, a sweeping wildlife pond, and a reflective area "to escape the hustle and bustle".

"The areas will be divided between sections growing food, medicinal herbs, as well as plants for aesthetic value," said Claire.

"The collection of plants will be designed to soothe and heal the mind and body."

While not wholly organic, the plan is to minimise the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides, enhancing biodiversity for both its own sake and to improve overall garden health.

"A horticultural therapy garden is considered as being a safe and secure place to develop someone's ability to mix socially, make friends and learn practical skills that will help them to be more independent," said Claire.

"It is well known that gardening can be a reflective activity as well as providing outdoor exercise, so provides many mental, physical and spiritual benefits."

The long-term plan is to get the community involved the Holywood Wellbeing Garden, whether as individuals or groups, so they can savour its relaxing atmosphere or help nurture the next generation of plants.

"Gardens are a source of joy for many and an emblem of change, of life and death, and of dormancy and growth," said Claire.

"What you see in November is just the beginning – in the coming months the area will continue to develop as plants grow and as insects and birds are drawn to the site."