About this class

Our supportive gardening group is a wonderful way to help improve wellbeing, get outdoors and take time to notice nature. The weekly sessions provide a gentle, regular activity with a friendly group and a chance to build confidence. There is lots of national evidence about the benefits of gardening for people with dementia.

Typical activities include: transplanting seedlings; seed sowing and saving; harvesting and preparing fruit & veg (eg making pesto); making pine cone bird feeders; raking, weeding & watering; lavender harvesting and making lavender bags; and sharing homemade food at most sessions. No gardening experience or knowledge is required. Participants may attend alongside a family member, friend or carer if needed.

When: Weekly sessions, 2-4pm, for 20 weeks. Sessions are every Tuesday from 16th May 2023.

I think it has been wonderful for me and we have made some good friends. Everyone has really gelled together and supported one another – we’ve had some great chats… Just being in the garden is wonderful.

Who is it for?: People with mild to moderate dementia or other memory issues.

Where: The Garden House, 5 Warleigh Road, Brighton BN1 4NT (between London & Ditchling Road), accessed via a side gate.

Facilities: The Garden House is a beautiful walled garden which sits behind the houses on Warleigh Road. It has a heated room where participants can sit and enjoy a cup of tea. There is also a toilet and hand washing facilities. The garden is a no-smoking zone.

Please note the Garden House has some steps and uneven paths, there is a slope at the entrance. For this reason participants attending independently will need to be able to walk either unaided or with a stick. Please do check with us if you would like to discuss the suitability of the garden for mobility of the applicant.