The Toolkit
This Tool Kit aims to help groups and individuals with the varied matters that require consideration to establish a STH garden. It has been written partly based on our existing knowledge of Therapy Gardens around the country, and their shared experience, but also as a record of our own journey at Gardening4Health in developing one from scratch.
So many times have we heard of Gardens and charities “reinventing the wheel” on their own journeys, and making mistakes that others could have warned them against. This is partly our attempt at sharing that knowledge so that everyone can benefit. So we decided to gather as much of this information as we can in one place – to enable sharing of wisdom from the whole landscape of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture, and thus create a toolkit for people to learn from.
All of these aspirations are caveated with the pragmatic approach and recognition that that it’s REALLY hard to get started and something simple may be better than nothing at all and also be a stepping stone to the next stage. We absolutely don’t want the described and hinted at complexities to hinder anyone’s ambitions.
Please bear in mind that these resources are not prescriptive. They are not a one-size fits all manual to follow – but instead we intend for them to provide a thematic guide for projects to consider the issues – pros and cons of different approaches.
Behind The Scenes
Behind The Scenes delves into the bits that no one visiting really sees- the insurances, bank accounts, fund raising and so on.
The Staff Room
The Staff Room looks at the recruitment and management of both paid and voluntary staff.
Through the Garden Gate
Through the Garden Gate considers the route taken by those benefitting from the garden.
The Library
The Reference Library contains information that you may want to refer to when planning your garden, applying for funding or making presentations.