Gardening therapy on Dartmoor

Derriford Hospital cancer patients are reaping the benefits of a therapeutic haven nestled within Dartmoor. Blooming Well, an initiative focused on supporting individuals with cancer, is commemorating a full year of its serenely tranquil Sheepstor location.

Initiated in 2022, Blooming Well is a community-oriented gardening therapy group designed to enhance the well-being and recovery of those diagnosed with cancer. The program, facilitated by The Mustard Tree, extends its services for free, providing all necessary equipment and refreshments.

Following a successful trial period involving a select patient cohort, the program has been extended to accommodate applications from others seeking participation. Conducted in the idyllic Sheepstor village bordering Dartmoor, the program unfolds over six weeks, with each session spanning two hours.
Every course is meticulously tailored to the interests of participants, exploring a diverse array of gardening subjects. Annie Charles, the project coordinator, elucidates: “The benefits of gardening are now well-established.

“It improves physical activity levels, lifts mood, boosts self-confidence, improves sense of wellbeing, helps re-focus attention when overwhelmed and decreases levels of stress and anxiety. However, there is very little evidence about the benefits to cancer patients, so this seemed a unique opportunity to find out more.”

Annie and volunteer Nick have successfully overseen six programs, catering to 31 participants, each possessing varying levels of gardening acumen. These free, weekly gatherings provide an avenue for individuals to connect with others traversing similar challenges, a facet greatly valued by participants. Annie expounds: “It also gives people the chance to meet with others going through similar challenges and participants seem to really appreciate this. It also provides a valuable space where they can talk about something other than cancer.” 

Blooming Well secured funding in May 2022 through the University of Plymouth's 'Get Involved' Award, aimed at fostering collaborations between communities and researchers to devise sustainable resolutions for local issues. This financial boost enabled Annie, who already holds an RHS Diploma, to undertake a Thrive course in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. It facilitated the procurement of requisite gardening paraphernalia, the installation of raised beds, and provision of subsidised transportation for participants.

The triumph of the inaugural year has garnered support from Macmillan Cancer Support, who have pledged funds for Annie's pursuit of an Award in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. Annie and her research team have also secured an invitation to present their findings at the upcoming Macmillan Professionals Conference in Glasgow.

Blooming Well caters to a diverse spectrum of ages, ranging "from individuals in their mid-twenties to those over 80 years old." Annie said: “We like to encompass the wider therapeutic aspects of gardening, being physically active, eating healthily, the value of just being in nature and mindfulness.”

The dividends of the program endure even after its conclusion, as many participants continue to experience positive effects. One participant reflects: “I still feel a warm, happy, glow when I think of everyone, the garden, the setting and the generosity of the people who allowed it to happen.”
Marjorie, in the process of recuperating from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, affirms: “I have very dear memories of those few weeks.

"Being with like-minded people who are also experiencing similar health problems is really helpful. The garden is in the most calming place and to be able to plant seeds, take cuttings and be given plants to take home is really confidence boosting. Nature is a great calmer and healer.”

Volunteer engagement has played a pivotal role in Blooming Well's evolution. A noteworthy advancement this year is the establishment of a new polytunnel. Volunteers from Tilbury Douglas, a construction firm, donated labour, cleared the site, and erected the polytunnel, along with crafting work benches.

The project has already extended to a second location at the Horticultural Therapy Trust's Penlee Valley allotment in Plymouth. Annie has meticulously planned the requisites to render the site inviting and accessible to all. Blooming Well's inaugural year has witnessed remarkable expansion, with five programmes slated for the current year and the Plymouth site anticipating its first batch of aspiring gardeners in May.

To find out more, please contact the Mustard Tree on 01752 430060, or go to their Facebook page