As I’m writing this article for the Foundation things are constantly changing in our world. We can’t hug our friends, can’t meet for a coffee, can’t visit destinations and enjoy social connections.
Now that organisations are following social distancing practices and many homes in lockdown, it’s important for residents to maintain wellness through this time.
With many outings and activities cancelled I would highly recommend including simple gardening activities into programs, plus some fresh foods grown onsite.
Residents can complete activities at tables or in the garden, which assists with maintaining good mental health and keep their bodies moving…plus a little sunshine and fresh air helps everyone!
Here’s a few activities that residents can enjoy anytime, including a few of my online Masterclasses to watch…
- Create a Garden Journal – this is a wonderful activity for all residents to assist with. Keeping a Garden Journal is a lovely way to record the plants you’re growing through each season, track the ingredients you add to the soil, list all the seeds sown and keep fond memories of good times in the garden. Read more about the journal here – https://soiltosupper.com/how-to-create-a-garden-journal/
- Create a natural art piece – Ephemeral Nature Art are beautiful ‘short lived’ pieces of art using items gathered in nature. This is a beautiful activity that has been popular with many of our gardening groups. Download and print this Activity Guide for residents to follow. https://soiltosupper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Activity-Guide-Ephemeral-Nature-Art.pdf
- Grow new plants – propagating new plants from existing plants in the garden. Watch this Masterclass video and grow a range of new plants for your garden! https://youtu.be/JliTpMbO978
- Regrow common foods – food scraps are either thrown away or composted but many of them can actually be regrown into more food. Find a list of foods in this article and try to grow a few. My favourites are spring onions, sweet potato and pineapples. https://soiltosupper.com/easy-ways-to-re-grow-food/
- Download + Print this Checklist – This checklist is used by gardeners through my online programs and is very useful to ensure you are on the right track with your gardens. Download and print copies of these for residents to read through and as a group discuss what could be done throughout your gardens. I have included extra links to access online for further reading, listening and watching. Access the checklist here – https://soiltosupper.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/25-Point-Checklist.pdf
Here’s an article with a few other ideas for activities – https://soiltosupper.com/top-5-therapeutic-gardening-activities-from-2018/
Gardening provides many health benefits, both physically and mentally, so it’s important for us all to continue to do the things we enjoy, keep our bodies moving and nurture our soul. I hope you find this information helpful.
If you have any questions about gardening activities or growing food in-house please contact me – cath@soiltosupper.com
Stay happy and stay well,
Cath
Cath Manuel is a Horticultural Consultant specialising in therapeutic gardening and kitchen gardens. She is the Founder of Soil to Supper which provides online programs and onsite services nationally. Cath has many years’ experience in the horticulture industry and has a great passion for sharing her knowledge to inspire people of all ages and abilities to enjoy gardening activities and grow fresh food.
Find more on therapeutic gardening at www.soiltosupper.com