The magic of autumn
By Ann Johnson
Reading through my recent copy of ‘Lifestyle Magazine’, I came across a very interesting article focused on a horticultural therapy project for adults with learning disabilities.
What particularly struck me was a comment stating that “looking after plants and vegetables helps to give a sense of ownership’’.
It is of course something we can create and make happen, soon seeing the results of our work and allowing us, whatever our ability or capability, the chance to nurture and care for plants.
The article goes on to share the value of everyone being engaged in gardening together through the use of accessible pathways and raised beds.
It made me think that gardening is a great inclusive activity, whether someone has a learning disability or any other type of condition, we can all take part and enjoy.
We know already that being outdoors, meeting with others and being active helps to improve well-being but it can have so many other benefits from improving physical health through exercise, people with reduced mobility learning how to use or strengthen their muscles and gardening can form part of a rehabilitation process and alleviate the deterioration associated with degenerative conditions.
Reading this article you might be keen to explore such positive outdoor experiences and wonder if you need to wait until the spring or summer to do so. Perhaps thinking as we move into Autumn all this positive energy has gone? But, if you are physically well and wrapped up warm it might be one of the perfect times to get outdoors and be active. For some, the cooler temperatures and the risk of heat-related health issues are even reduced.
However, it is not just the physical health benefits this season brings. Autumn is a wonderful time to be outdoors and is a very beautiful and colourful season when a leafy woodland area that has been green for months is suddenly splashed with yellow, orange and red.
Enjoyed on a sunny Autumn day dressed up all warm, the colourful tapestry can provide a magical setting, filling us with joy, improving well-being and helping to relieve stress.
Autumn also provides opportunities to clear raised beds, rake the leaves and as always, a chance to plant things such as potatoes, garlic and onions.
So, when COVID 19 regulations allow you, you might want to volunteer or engage with the Forest of Hearts’ gardening and kitchen food projects.
We invite people to join us at Stratford-Upon-Avon hospital every Friday 11am-12.30. For more information, contact Carole on 02476 470382 or at carolelongden@longden.co.uk