Open gardens success

Hundreds of visitors flocked to Thrive’s Trunkwell Gardens in Beech Hill over two Sundays in July for our Thrive/NGS annual open days. The gardens were looking stunning and we were delighted to be able to show people our newest creation, the Hearts and Minds Garden.
Visitors were able to stroll around our three acre Victorian walled garden, taking in The Secret Garden, our wildlife conservation area, allotments and Thrive gardeners’ individual plots.
It was also the first time we were able to show the first garden created in our Garden Gallery.
The Hearts and Minds garden has been designed for people recovering from a stroke or heart attack. This garden will help people to tackle the effects of stroke including partial paralysis, reduced mobility, limited vision, loss of sensory capacity, and physical weakness using a design which enables them to take part in gentle exercise to recover health, strength, stamina and co-ordination.
The plants have been chosen for their therapeutic benefits and include rosemary, whose essential oils are said to improve circulation and marigolds which contain anti-inflammatory substances.
Next we will be planting the journey - an uplifting garden for people recovering from a mental illness, particularly depression. This garden will promote well-being, stimulation of the senses, creativity, and inspire physical activity to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and give a feeling of accomplishment and direction.
Come and see The Journey on our next NGS/Thrive open gardens on Saturday September 17, 11am to 4pm.