Andover Mind will participate in Winchester Green Week 2024 with an exciting collaboration between the mental health charity and award-winning garden designer Leigh Johnstone, also known as The Beardy Gardener.
The events will take place at the Garden for Mind, located at the picturesque Longstock Park Nursery on the John Lewis-owned Leckford Estate – a tranquil outdoor space designed to support both wellbeing and environmental sustainability, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and experience the positive effects of “green therapy.”
Led by The Beardy Gardener and Libby Hilling, Social Value Delivery Volunteer at Andover Mind, the mental health charity is offering a programme of free workshops on Sunday, 22 September, and Thursday, 26 September 2024.
Leigh, a former theatre director who rediscovered his passion for plants during the Covid-19 pandemic, is a passionate advocate for the power of gardening to improve wellbeing. A mental health campaigner himself, Leigh uses his personal experiences to highlight the transformative benefits of gardening as a therapeutic tool.
The workshops will include hands-on activities such as spring bulb planting and border design, as well as insightful talks on topics like “Getting Kids into Gardening,” “Gardening for Wellbeing,” and “Picking Plants for Wellbeing,” along with a guided wellbeing walk around the garden.
One of the most poignant moments will be the talk, “How Gardening Saved My Life,” where Leigh and Libby will share their journey with mental health and the role gardening played in recovery, a powerful narrative to inspire others to consider how connecting with nature can offer solace and support during challenging times.
If you’d like to attend, there’s no need to book – just turn up and join them in celebrating the power of nature to improve both our mental health and the environment. Let’s grow greener together!
Winchester Green Week, taking place from 23-29th September, is a week-long celebration promoting sustainable living across the Winchester District. Organised by local communities, environmental groups, educational institutions, and businesses, the event seeks to encourage everyone to take small steps towards a greener future. By growing greener together, we can create a more sustainable, healthier world.
