Short term aims of Gardening Leave

As horticultural therapy has not previously been used as a therapeutic tool for this client population, a pilot project has been established at the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) near Ayr using a designated area within their walled garden which will confirm the need for, and benefit of such a project. Our first task is to restore Scotland's only National Collection of poppies (Papaveraceae) which was established at SAC in 1985.  Over the years, due to staff and budget cuts, the Collection has become sadly depleted.  We will replace the lost cultivars and renew both soil and labels to restore the Collection to its former spectacular glory. (Follow our progress in the Gallery).

Long term aims of Gardening Leave

• To develop horticultural therapy projects in walled gardens near the Combat Stress treatment centres in Surrey and Shropshire.
• To improve veterans’ self-care by offering the opportunity to cook and eat produce grown in the garden.
• To set up a regular Gardening Leave newsletter to keep veterans up to date with news from the garden.
• Through the success of the walled garden projects, to highlight the work of Combat Stress and the role it plays in the mental welfare of this country’s ex-Servicemen and women.