23 April 2025
SUPPORTED GARDENERS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES CREATE BEAUTIFUL BORDER AT GARDENERS’ WORLD SPRING FAIR
A team of supported gardeners with learning disabilities from Minstead Trust and Furzey Gardens have planned and built a garden for BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, 2-4 May 2025.
The team have put their skills to use and worked together, researching plants that flower in May and sharing ideas of the plants they would like to see in the garden before putting together a plan and garden design.
The result is a 3m x 3m garden space call the ‘Harmony Garden’ which embodies the theme of Cultivating Connections by fostering harmony between people and nature. Features like bug hotels, a hedgehog house, bird-friendly planting, and a recycled bench, nurture local wildlife while showcasing sustainability. At Minstead Trust, we break down barriers for people with learning disabilities and autism, creating opportunities for growth and inclusion. This ethos is mirrored in the garden’s accessible layout, sensory planting, and communal spaces, encouraging connections between individuals, wildlife, and the wider community. It’s a celebration of how gardens can unite and enrich lives, bridging gaps and cultivate a shared sense of belonging.
The 'Harmony Garden' plan and a selection of the plants arranged within a border
The nursery team have been busy growing their hearts out and the horticulture groups have been out snapping up plant treasures galore, with special thanks to Fairweather’s Garden Centre for a very kind donation of £200 towards plants. Meanwhile, our craft workshops at Minstead Trust have been making some magical items to add that all important sparkle, they’ll be plenty of things to look out for in the finished design, including felted blossom, a wooden miniature plane, some woven runners and some cheeky little clay mice.
Speaking before building the garden in the run up to the show, Ed said ‘I am looking forward to planting, my favourite plant is the pink Aquilegia.’
Liam was also looking forward to getting stuck in to the build, he said ‘I will do all the jobs I am given to do’. When asked about his favourite plant in the garden, Liam responded ‘I like the rhododendron.’
Ed showing us his favourite plant. Jonny and Liam standing in front of a practice border.
The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair is a fantastic opportunity for the people supported by Minstead Trust to show their skills and create a beautiful space for us all to enjoy. It brings an enormous sense of achievement and pride to everyone involved and shows just what can be achieved by people with learning disabilities when they are given opportunities and support.
Find out more about support and opportunities for people with learning disabilities at Minstead Trust.