Located outside the ward, patients can be found in the peaceful garden, tending to a range of plants, potted and watered in raised flowerbeds. There are flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables, which are harvested for cooking and making tasty, healthy drinks and smoothies. The garden is maintained by patients and used as an additional therapy space.
Green fingers at Roehampton
Since opening in May 2016, Huntercombe Hospital Roehampton’s occupational therapy garden has been hugely popular with patients.
Located outside the ward, patients can be found in the peaceful garden, tending to a range of plants, potted and watered in raised flowerbeds. There are flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables, which are harvested for cooking and making tasty, healthy drinks and smoothies. The garden is maintained by patients and used as an additional therapy space.
Bethany Flannery, Lead Occupational Therapist, who was the driving force being the creation of the new garden, says patients have told her how much they love working in the garden. Bethany explained that caring for living things, watching them grow and change over time, is a very emotional experience. Patients who have worked in the garden become more motivated, their moods improve as well as their concentration and self-esteem. The garden gives them a chance to engage in a meaningful task while having the opportunity to develop and learn a new skill.