Clayponds Hospital Aiding Recovery Through Gardening

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Long stay patients in Rehab Group getting green fingers

A member of staff assists a patient with her gardening

June 24, 2025

Long stay patients at Clayponds Hospital are using gardening on their journey to recovery. With the arrival of warmer weather, West London NHS Trust’s Gardening Rehab Group has created a dedicated garden for grow plants, connect with others and improve their wellbeing.

The group launched in May and now runs every Friday at the facility on the border of Brentford and Ealing. Around six patients join each week, with some returning more than once, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 25. These sessions have included soil preparation, weeding, planting, watering, deadheading, and seeding using raised beds. A wide range of seeds, plants, and herbs have been introduced to the patients, alongside tools like pots, hanging baskets, gloves, and hand trowels.

Long hospital stays can take an emotional toll, particularly for those recovering from complex surgeries or illness. Candela Castillo, a senior occupational therapist said, “Not being able to spend time with loved ones or do things they enjoy can leave patients feeling down or unmotivated. Gardening gives them something to look forward to.”

Beyond therapeutic gains, these sessions offer a sense of pride and belonging, with patients checking in during the week to see how their plants are growing. Candela added: “With every new sprout, our patients are not just growing plants—they’re growing hope.”

One patient said, “I loved the raised garden beds so much, I asked my family to get one for my garden when I get home. I couldn’t do any gardening before because I couldn’t bend down—but now I can.”

Gardening is more than just a pastime; it is an evidence-based approach to rehabilitation. Many patients have a personal connection to gardening, making each session uplifting and familiar. Through hands-on activities, they strengthen fine motor skills, improve coordination, and engage in cognitive tasks, all while enjoying fresh air and social interaction.

Clayponds Rehabilitation Hospital, part of West London NHS Trust, cares for people during a period of severe or sudden illness, so that they can recover in a community setting and avoid being admitted to an acute hospital. The hospital has three specialist rehabilitation wards, and is also the location for therapy services, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and dietetics. They are also the base for musculoskeletal outpatient services, rapid response and Marie Curie nurses, Enable and Hounslow district nurses.

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