Gardeners with learning disabilities from Furzey Gardens in Minstead have garnered acclaim following their debut at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, captivating tens of thousands of attendees with their innovative garden.
Dubbed ‘Reflective Waters of Inclusivity’, the garden’s creation was made possible by a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised over £10,000 in March, complemented by an additional £1,000 contribution from the Royal Horticultural Society. This initiative enabled gardeners, who have often faced barriers and limited opportunities, to showcase their talents honed through years of dedicated work at Furzey Gardens.
Simon, a supported gardener, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I enjoyed talking to people about the plants. Gardens are my passion, and I find this garden really beautiful.”
Rhianne, another supported gardener, echoed Simon’s sentiments, saying, “I loved sharing our garden and plants from Furzey with everyone. It’s great to see people appreciate what we do. I think our garden is stunning.”
Operated by the Minstead Trust, a charity aiding individuals with learning disabilities for nearly forty years, Furzey Gardens serves as both a therapeutic space and a venue for cultivating plants for sale.
Inspired by a serene waterfall area adjacent to Furzey’s renowned lake, the garden showcased an array of flora, including Acer Palmatum, hostas, and salvias. Artist Shaun Stevens contributed to the design, incorporating special elements such as pebbles crafted from repurposed clay sourced from a fallen oak tree on the Trust’s grounds, each adorned with initials representing individuals supported by the Trust, as well as staff and volunteers. The garden was further enhanced with whimsical touches like fairy doors and handmade felt butterflies and frogs, crafted by individuals with learning disabilities.
John Davies, Senior Instructor at Minstead Trust, reflected on the project’s significance, stating, “This was an exciting challenge for our team, providing them a platform to showcase their abilities, which are often overlooked. Many of them have faced significant challenges in life, and standing proudly at the show, they’ve demonstrated what can be achieved with the right support. We hope this inspires others to recognize the potential of individuals with learning disabilities.”
The success of Furzey Gardens’ debut at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show underscores the transformative impact of inclusive opportunities in horticulture, challenging perceptions and celebrating diversity in gardening expertise.
