Mytchett staff with a strong interest in gardening and the activities surrounding it suggested a Gardening Group. It was important that the staff had an interest, so they could effectively and enthusiastically communicate and deliver activities to the students around the subject. This encourages students to learn, to want to be part of the group and to assist with the activities.
Once the initial plan for the group was established, students were asked if they wanted to join. Some could understand what the group was about and communicate effectively that they wanted to join. For others, a different introductory approach was required. The use of sensory elements such as the feel of the soil and different smells was important, with staff gauging and watching for the students’ responses to help them connect with the meaning of the group.
Staff know the students well and are able to listen, watch for and understand the students’ individual communications. By enabling the students to experience and join in gardening activities, the more sensory students were able to make an informed choice about whether they wanted to stay, leave the group or pick and choose which parts they want to be involved in.
For example, one student didn’t like the outside work in the cold but enjoyed planting up pots inside. Another enjoys the outside work and being out in the fresh air. The staff and students were soon able to divide the workload according to likes and dislikes.
To help students prepare for the start of a session, an object of reference is introduced. At the beginning of each session, the gardening apron is put on. Then a tray is attached to the wheelchair. This ensures the student understands what is happening, and gives a sense of belonging to the group.
Again, staff are mindful of any communications at this point, which might indicate whether a student wants to participate or not. At the end of the session, the aprons are taken off and the trays are cleaned to give a clear indication that the session has finished.
The group research possible activities, using the Visilift interactive screen to ensure the subject matter is acccessible to students. A folder of activities enables students to make their own choices and maintain a record of what they have achieved. Activities so far have included: making grass heads, growing cress and making sandwiches out of the produce, and making Mother’s Day gifts. Currently there are mushrooms being grown. The group have also made fat balls. They really enjoy watching the squirrels on the feeders.
Staff are looking at new ideas to make each task accessible for all students, adapting equipment and looking into buying new equipment, such as an assisted seed planter to ensure that the students can participate as independently as possible.
The group also incorporates art and craft ideas for students who may prefer not to do the actual gardening. Painting pots and stones has been a great way to get involved. Some students however, just like to enjoy the garden itself, looking at what is being achieved and reaping the rewards.
We are very lucky at Salisbury Grove to have a visiting gardener who’s also a celebrity! Bryan Smith has been on Countryfile and talked trees with Princes William and Harry. A very interesting gentleman with lots of tales to tell. He was very happy to come in and talk about what things to plant at certain times of the year. Also to talk to the group about things they might have got wrong and how to move forward.
The group try where possible to recycle. They have recycled stones, yoghurt pots and ramekin jars, currently used to grow garlic.
Benefits to students include a sense of belonging, the ability to see a project though from planting to the dinner plate, being close to nature, time spent in the fresh air and experiencing new sensory sensations and enjoyment.
Future Plans
Plans include trips out to garden centres, gardens such as Wisley and to grow more food products and use them in cooking sessions. There is also talk about selling produce at the local car boot sale to raise funds to plough back into the group.