My Why
Why I do What I Do
I've always loved growing things, drawing and been fascinated by how stuff gets built but, a few years ago, I experienced first-hand the positive effects of gardening, green spaces and nature and saw how it can positively affect others.
I still reflect on it as one of the reasons I do what I do.
A few years ago I signed up as a volunteer on a course run by the charity Headway, focusing on supporting people after brain injury.
It was delivered by a psychotherapist with a passion for permaculture at a local community garden.
There were practical gardening days but also classroom sessions where parallels were drawn between the cyclical nature of the natural world and the process of psychological, physical and emotional recovery.
Despite being sceptical about what I could bring to the table (I had no idea what to expect as a volunteer and having lost my Mum the previous year I wasn't sure I'd be much use to anyone else) it all made perfect sense.
I looked forward to the weekly sessions immensely - they were always filled with laughter despite the often, traumatic reasons for people being there.
It was wonderful to see the clients gaining confidence socially and physically and I also found it an extremely comforting way of starting to make sense of my own grief. While I’d experienced the healing effects of time spent in my own garden, here the effects seemed amplified for sharing with others.
There’s no doubt that being amongst healthy plants, in pleasant surroundings is of great benefit to people, mentally, emotionally and physically. So, for me, helping people achieve this kind of environment in their own space is incredibly rewarding.
I've also been able to help some great organisations share the benefits even more widely by helping them improve their outdoor spaces.
If you are involved with or know of a charity that is looking for help, please feel free to get in touch:
studio@hpgardendesign.co.uk
