At My Garden Therapy, we believe a garden is more than just plants – it’s a living space where independence, connection, and well-being can truly flourish. That’s why we’re so proud of our signature program: “Gardening with the Gardener.”
This unique service goes beyond basic garden maintenance. It’s about partnering with you to nurture your outdoor space, fostering engagement, and creating meaningful connections right in your own backyard across Geelong, Ballarat, and the Surf Coast.
1. What is ‘Gardening with the Gardener’?
Our “Gardening with the Gardener” program is a personalised, hands-on experience designed for older adults and NDIS participants. Instead of simply maintaining your garden for you, our friendly, empathetic team works alongside you.
- Shared Activity: Whether it’s planting new seedlings, pruning roses, or harvesting fresh herbs, we engage in these tasks together, at your pace.
- Empowering Participation: We focus on what you can do, providing support and adaptive techniques so you can actively participate in the gardening you love, enhancing your independence and confidence.
- Social Connection: Our gardeners are not just experts; they are companions. These sessions are opportunities for genuine conversation, shared laughter, and building meaningful social connections.
2. The Therapeutic Benefits of a Shared Garden
The power of this program lies in its ability to nurture multiple aspects of your well-being:
- Enhanced Well-being: Spending time in nature, even on warm February days in the shade, significantly reduces stress and boosts mood. The shared activity further amplifies these benefits.
- Cognitive Stimulation: Engaging in gardening tasks helps maintain cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills.
- Physical Activity: Gentle, supported gardening provides light physical exercise, improving mobility and strength.
- Sense of Purpose: Actively contributing to the growth and beauty of your garden instils a profound sense of purpose and accomplishment.
3. Accessing ‘Gardening with the Gardener’ through Your Support
My Garden Therapy is a registered provider, and our “Gardening with the Gardener” program can often be accessed through the Support at Home Program for older Australians, or under NDIS plans.
This program typically aligns with funding categories focused on:
- Capacity Building: Developing skills and confidence.
- Social and Community Participation: Reducing isolation and fostering engagement.
- Assistance with Daily Life: Supporting activities that maintain your independence at home.
We are experienced in navigating these funding pathways and can help you understand how to include this invaluable service in your plan.
Your garden is a place of profound possibility. With “Gardening with the Gardener,” My Garden Therapy helps unlock that potential, transforming routine tasks into opportunities for joy, connection, and enhanced well-being. Let us help you cultivate not just a beautiful garden, but a richer, more connected life.