Gardening Services to support the Elderly

Aim

My aim is to set up a gardening service business for mainly elderly people that have and love their gardens but can no longer maintain them

What's going on?

People’s gardens can be their sanctuaries, yet at times in our lives, they can also become a burden. When our outdoor spaces get too much to manage and nature begins to take over. The older generation often find themselves struggling to maintain their beloved outdoor space and before they know it, their garden becomes a task or worry. Instead of looking out on to a haven, they see weeds and wild shrubs. 

Opportunities 

A garden, no matter how big or small and no matter where you are in life, is so important for wellbeing. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy what their garden can offer them. Even if they are unable to physically attend to it as they did in the past. From relaxing with a cup of tea, to watching the birds through the window, the smell of freshly cut grass to seeing bulbs bloom all these small moments can lift a persons day and I wish to enable more folks the opportunity to enjoy this later in to their lives.  

The Facts 

Studies have found spending time in nature has been proven to make us feel happier, healthier, more relaxed boosting our mental and emotional wellbeing. The health benefits of gardening are extensive. Not only can being amongst nature reduce mental health problems like depression and anxiety, but it can also reduce stress and combat high blood pressure, as well as improving overall physical fitness and help with mobility. The physical, social and physiological benefits from gardening can help to improve peoples lives, especially older people who sometimes don't have as many opportunities to hand. 

Services offered 

-General garden maintenance 

-Grass cutting 

-Weeding 

-Tidying and raking 

-Clearing overgrown areas 

-Pruning and cutting back of hedges and small bushes

-Planting and maintenance of bulbs, plants/ vegetables 

Wherever possible, I would like to actively encourage my customers to continue gardening alongside me (if this is something they can do a bit of) helping, or even just watching and feeling involved can be enough for them to feel valued and helpful.

It's Spring, time to get started!

In the UK there are around 27 million gardeners that garden as a hobby. I have always enjoyed gardening and have am currently studying with the RHS Level 2 practical in horticulture (the course completes this June 2020).

I have been helping friends and family with their gardens and have enjoyed being an allotment owner. I am now in the position to turn my love for gardening and the natural world, into a part time gardening services business where I can bring some of the simple joys of the garden back to our golden oldies. 

Helping, improving, maintaining and restoring gardens with a smile while providing a bit of companionship while I work is what I want to do. 

Support 

I am seeking support to help me set up my business and invest in the basic tools and equipment I will need. I will need a small van to transport my tools of which I need to invest in a lawnmower, spade, fork, hedge trimmers, strimmer, rake etc. I plan on charging an hourly fee for my gardening services, at an accessible price for my clients. 

This project successfully funded on 24th April 2020