Our son is on the autistic spectrum and has great difficulties coping with social situations. I have detailed his troubles in a couple of posts here and to a lesser extent here. Ever since he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome we have looked around for ways to help him manage his condition.
Quite by chance, the support assistant who was working with our son at the time mentioned this garden in Helmsley that help people like him through horticultural therapy. My wife and I are both keen gardeners and had come across the idea of horticultural therapy a number of times. As our son also enjoys being outdoors we decided to pay the garden at Helmsley a visit. Our son's support worker contacted the garden and arranged for the family to go along for a visit.
What Is Horticultural Therapy?
Horticultural Therapy uses gardening to help support the health of people with mental or physical issues as well as those suffering from depression and anxiety. Over recent years it has become increasingly popular and schemes are now run up and down the UK.
The Garden
The garden at Helmsley is the former walled garden for the Duncombe Park estate and lies in the shadow of Helmsley castle.
The garden had been allowed to fall into neglect over the years but in 1994 a local lady by the name of Alison Ticehurst started the long process of bringing it back to life with the aim of using it for helping those in need.
A general view across the garden showing Helmsley Castle in the background.
Another view showing Helmsley Castle.
This early photograph - taken from the Helmsley Walled Garden website - shows Alison Ticehurst standing in front of the wrecked orchid house. Source
Almost the same view as it was last week. What a difference.
The garden is now run as a charity and attracts thousands of visitors a year.
The Staff And Our First Visit.
The staff at the garden comprise of a core team of trained horticultural therapy workers who are supported by a very able team of volunteers.
The lady who met us when we arrived was the horticultural therapy coordinator. She immediately put our son at ease (the training showing straight away) and gave us a tour of the garden. We met more of the staff who were all very friendly.
The pictures accompanying this post were taken a few days ago just as the garden is starting to come alive but on our first visit the garden was in full bloom and had an instant wow factor. The picture below is from the garden's website and shows the main border at the height of summer and gives an idea as to the riot of colour that first greeted us.
After the tour, we sat down over a cup of tea and discussed our son's case with the coordinator. She was very positive and suggested that our son initially come along for a day a week to see how he felt about it.
We accompanied our son on his first few visits to the garden just to make sure everything was ok and also to lend a hand with some of the jobs that needed doing. Once he had settled in and become used to the staff he started to go on his own.
The Outcome
The first visit was nearly two years ago now and our son loves it. He has fitted in really well and goes along at least twice a week to help out with the many maintenance tasks that always require doing. He has even been given his own key to the workshop so that he can retire there if the crowds that visit in the summer months become too much.
The staff have become almost a second family to him and he will regale us with tales of the goings on that have happened during the week.
I can highly recommend horticultural therapy as a way of helping people with difficulties. It may not be for everyone but it has certainly worked wonders for our son.
30 Steem Competition.
If you are an established or budding poet why not take part in my competition and be in with a chance to win one of the prizes totalling 30 Steem. Just follow this link for full details. Last day for entries today!!!
Also please consider following me (I will reciprocate). Some of my posts are about mental health issues while others cover a wide range of subjects. For a taster of my musings please follow these links:-
A local landmark created by a giant....well maybe.
Space Debris - Part 1 - The Problem
More about Space Debris - Part 2 - The Effects
A Dome For All Seasons - Part 1
A Dome For All Seasons - Part 2 - The saga continues.....
Is social media a force for good?
Sunset over the North Yorkshire Moors
My first attempt at digital art
How too much news may not be good for us
Another one on how dogs can help us
Until next time - take care of yourselves....