Over the last year we have developed 3 courses that we offer free of charge to members of the garden. These courses run up to six times a year with small groups to create a relaxing atmosphere, ensuring everyone gets to know each other, and no one is left out. If you are interested in attending or finding out more, please email us at communitygarden@abbeyphysic.org
Gardening for the Mind
Guided by Louise, a trained Forest School teacher, participants learn relaxation and mindfulness techniques; experience nature in a new way through sense-based activities; and bond as a group through shared experience and conversation.
This course is not just about personal growth either, it’s also a great way to make friends, and find out about and get involved with other activities at the garden.
Many tell us that the most important thing they got from the course was the friendship group they formed.
Most ‘Gardening For The Mind’ participants go on to regularly take part in, or even start up their own!) other groups and activities at the Abbey Physic Community Garden.
Is ‘Gardening For the Mind’ for me?
Everyone will take something from the course, you should definitely consider it if you would like to:
- Learn techniques and exercises to ground yourself and cope with anxiety and stress.
- Gain a greater appreciation of nature, the outdoors, and your own senses;
- Get involved with activities at the Abbey Physic Community Garden;
- Meet new people and make new friends in a relaxed, supportive environment;
Hands on Gardening
Taught by Paul, the Head Gardener at the Abbey Physic Community Garden, the Hands on Gardening (or HOG) course is the perfect place to learn the fundamentals of gardening whilst making new friends and learning about the benefits of being in nature.
Participants say: the course is a “demystifying experience” as far as gardening was concerned people “felt equipped to do much more in their garden”.
But people taking part also said that they were enjoyed: “how easily being outside and socialising boosts your mood but also participating in sensory activities using hands etc can relax you and allows moments for conversation which flows”
Is ‘Hands of Gardening’ for me?
Everyone will take something from the course, you should definitely consider it if you would like to:
- Learn about the fundamentals of gardening (such as planting, propagating and composting);
- Learn about the health benefits of gardening
- Get involved with activities at the Abbey Physic Community Garden;
- Meet new people and make new friends in a relaxed, supportive environment
Mindful Kitchen
Facilitated by Karen, one of the Chefs at the Abby Physic Community Garden, this course offers you the chance to learn about the relationship between the body and mind through cooking.
You will be able to harvest fresh ingredients from the garden and use these to create nourishing delicious meals.
Participants who attended the course say they’ve gained “Friendship care, compassion, an excellent guide to understanding benefits of healthy eating and new ideas to cook from scratch”
People also felt they had “an increased feeling of purpose – both for myself and the use of my time.”
Is ‘Mindful Kitchen’ for me?
Everyone will take something from the course, you should definitely consider it if you would like to:
- Learn about healthy eating and how to make nutritious meals from scratch
- Have more awareness about Mindful cooking and eating and learn how to incorporate this into your day to day life
- Get involved with activities at the Abbey Physic Community Garden;
- Meet new people and make new friends in a relaxed, supportive environment
If you would like to find out more or sign up to one of our courses please contact us at communitygarden@abbeyphysic.org