The Garden Sanctuary
Here in the UK, we are some of the most passionate and dedicated gardeners in the world. The quintessential garden is now being complimented by more diverse designs. Whatever the theme of the garden, the reasons why we garden is also diverse.
It used to be, that communities would grow a diverse range of plants on their own land, flowers, herbaceous ornamentals, herbs, fruit and vegetables. This was a scene very popular until the end of the 19th century
In the modern world of next day delivery and information overload the garden allows us to re centre and find peace in the chaos. There are so many benefits to growing a garden? Here are some them-
Physical Health: We are getting great sun exposure (especially in the morning and evening hours) We also exercise our bodies gently and subtly and we are exposed to more oxygen. Then we have the ancient practice of grounding or earthing (placing our bare feet on the grass or soil) actually creates negative ions in our bodies-which is very beneficial.
Mental Wellbeing: There is no doubt now that gardening on a regular basis, even just sitting in the garden is amazing for our mental wellbeing. Research from around the world is showing the benefits of gardening, especially growing food to people who deal with depression, anxiety and 0ther mental health imbalances. Touching good healthy soil also shows incredible benefits for the perspective we have on our life.
Emotional Balance: Evidence is highlighting just how deeply we are connected to the Earth and how our separation from it not only causes mental dis-ease, it also affects how we feel emotionally and how we express ourselves to others. It is quite evident that people who invest more time in outside spaces are more emotionally grounded and balanced. This is about the experience we are having and the exposure to natural friendly chemicals that plants emit, especially in woodland areas. Phytoncides are chemicals that plants release that can lower blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels promoting relaxation and well being.
Spiritual Connection: All spiritual belief systems were created from the observation of nature. The Eastern systems in particular emphasised the importance of the interconnectedness of all life. Creating a garden space that facilitates these connections-plant life, wildlife, pollinators and human beings develops a richer and more vibrant life.
Social Inclusion: The garden is a meeting place for family and friends, some people even open up their gardens to the public for one or two days a year for others to feel inspired. In the past few decades the garden has been the gathering place for BBQ’s and parties in the summertime. Now some communities are using these spaces to bring people together to become more interactive with the garden itself, while others are using their gardens to educate groups.
Whatever your reasons to invest in your garden, the more you invest the more benefits you will receive. Your garden can be your sanctuary, where you meet nature to reconnect.
Here at Sow & Grow, we believe that a garden is to be enjoyed by the senses. A space to unwind, relax and destress within nature.
We can create that space for you to enjoy with your friends and family throughout the seasons. Even throughout the winter months, there can always be something going on in the garden.
Would you enjoy picking your own herbs from the garden for dinner, or perhaps some tasty greens like Spinach and Pak Choy, or even some succulent tomatoes and delicious beans and peas.
Or would you just like to enjoy the bulbs coming up in early spring and the flowering shrubs and common ornamentals, with their dazzling colours and fragrances?
Imagine what our garden could become
I have years of experience, working on estates and gardens helping people to create the spaces that they can enjoy throughout the year.
More reasons to plant a garden:
- Great activity for the family
- Beneficial for mental and physical health
- Growing herbs, vegetables and fruit is a lot cheaper than buying from a shop, or farm
- Brings a sense of overall wellbeing and fulfilment
- By growing a garden you can help nature thrive, creating a space for pollinators and birds, hedgehogs and frogs.
Permaculture, Regenerative Soil & Human Health
Are you looking to transform your garden space, allotment or even a smallholding, using holistic practices which combine self-sufficiency with connecting with nature? Then this is for you.
From raised beds to hügelkulturs, container gardens to food forests- I design integrated edible ecosystems that are regenerative, abundant and healthy-Providing holistic designs to help you create cyclical closed loop systems: including water management, composting methods, biological inputs, planting systems, soil health management, remediation & much more. I can teach you the design principles that will create the pathway to self-resilience and abundance.
Everything starts with the soil. When we create strong and resilient foundations, then anything built on that will benefit. Soil regeneration is about a multi-faceted approach. The physical, biological, chemical and electrical components of the soil need to work synergistically. The plants along with the soil life use the natural elements to build strong and resistant systems. Bio-diversity is key to resilience, abundance and health.
Creating natural cycles, facilitates a natural reduction and eventual elimination of inputs, just like a woodland or forest, once established will require very little work. Building buffers in the soil protects against climatic changes and generating robust soil biology enables plants to become resistant against attacks from disease and pests.
Growing with our food allows us to become part of nature. (As far as I am aware there are no drawbacks from learning how to live a regenerative life.)
Human health is directly related to plant, animal and soil health. Whatever your diet, the food you consume and the lifestyle you lead determine your level of energy and health. When we are grounded in the present and live from creative mindset we start to transform the way we live. We invest ourselves into more wholesome endeavours. Our gardens have the potential to heal us.
From the food we eat, to the water we drink and bathe in to the amount of sun exposure and of course how much time we are investing in activities during our leisure hours we are constantly creating new cycles and patterns that become habits and a way of living.
Growing your own food, not only becomes more economical, environmentally friendly and healthier it also creates a deep connection to the earth, it allows us to understand the cycles of life and be in the present, which takes away all anxieties and worries of life.
Even the time we invest in learning brings us benefits, multiple times the investment we make.
As we partner with nature, all aspects of our life improve. There are many studies backed up by peer reviewed papers as well as cutting edge science that is showing that growing a garden is the most natural, economical, environmentally and effective path to holistic health.
Growing a garden has the potential to heal our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social predicaments.
Tailored Services
Our Services
(You can mix and match the services that best suit your needs)
Designing
- Personalised design of your garden, allotment or other space (this involves a consultation process to design your ideal garden)
- Hand drawn or CAD design that will give you a visual representation of how your garden will look once created
- We can design any size space in any context, whether you are looking for purely ornamentals, herbs, fruit and vegetables or a combination of them
- I am a qualified and experienced Permaculture Designer passionate about plants, wildlife and soil and the benefits they bring us.
Creating
- Locally and ethically sourced materials
- Home grown plants and homemade mineral and biological natural fertilisers (that’s right we make our own garden amendments) We also have over an acre where we grow some of our plants and build the structures to compliment your garden
- Our skilled carpenter can build anything from garden rooms to garden benches to planters and raised beds
- We also create wildlife ponds from the small to the large
- Following the the agreed design, or based on our discussion we will carefully source seeds, plants (the ones we don’t grow) along with all other required materials, bring in any specialists and create your dream garden
- Step by step communication to ensure we are fulfilling your desires and to keep you up to date with any developments.
- We will visually document the entire process and give you the video so you are able to look back at your dream garden being created.
Nurturing (Plant Care, Soil Care, Animal Care, Human Care)
- Pruning to encourage correct growth at the correct time of year
- Lawn Care to get the most from the lawn and to reduce the need to water
- Weeding (Yes we weed) it’s an important part of garden care
- Nurturing your plants to optimise their health-plants need particular care to establish and also to mitigate against attack from disease or pests (this is where our homemade fertilizers come into play)
- Soil Care, to maintain a healthy garden, caring for the soil is essential. Fortunately, it’s one of my specialist subjects.
- Nurturing those wildlife areas is extremely important for the health of your plants and soil
- Maintaining those areas which you inhabit is also essential for you to enjoy your garden.
There is a new Gardening Revolution happening, why not be part of it.
Contact us here or
Mobile 07990575201
Email:sowseedgrowfeed@protonmail.com
to discuss how we can help you.
All the best
Sow & Grow Regenerative
I use my knowledge of Permaculture, Soil Regeneration, my experience in mentoring and facilitation as well as my research on current & historical socio-economic and climatic changes to create a tailored plan. Creating a resilient and abundant ecosystem, a healthy and adaptive mindset and a holistic lens will enable you to mitigating against climatic changes and socio-economic uncertainty.
My goal is to equip you with the knowledge of how these systems work, so you can become self-reliant, building skills and the mindset that will enable you to overcome obstacles and create a solutions based perspective. I can teach you about Permaculture Principles and and Regenerative Soil techniques and most importantly how these relate to natural cycles and patterns that are found throughout nature from the microcosm to the macrocosm.
Site Design includes consultation, advice, soil sampling and site observation visits. Observation is a key element of design and as much information and knowledge of the site is needed before this can take place.
Soil Remediation Plans are context specific and are adapted to your individual needs and desires. Soil is the foundation of all ecosystems. In fact without soil, all life would not exist. I consider healthy soil to be the lynchpin of healthy animals and humans. Building great soil will make the difference to your plants and animals. It is an integral component to creating the natural cycle that exists in all environments on Earth.
I will work with you to create a design that is uniquely adapted and contextually appropriate for your climate and personal circumstances. I offer advice and consultation on holistic food production, increasing soil health and creating abundant bio-diverse systems. Using the permaculture framework and regenerative techniques you will be able to understand how to form synergistic relationships with your plants, land and animals which will lead to you being able to regenerate your eco system and protect what is most important to you.
This is a uniquely tailored service, with many dynamics depending on your present context and your future vision. Please contact me to find out how I can help you achieve your goals.
Soil testing and Analysis
Soil testing is essential to establish exactly what is happening in your soil and plants. Without this there is very little room to create what you want and the chance of making a big mistake is high. Because of the way soils have been treated over the past 100 years we need to do everything we can to remediate and testing is the start of remediation
This will include-aggregate, Ph, plant sap analysis, plant tissue, fauna, mineral, saturated paste, microscopy, flora and brix testing. This would be a nominal amount of £200 for a site visit and would be in addition to the cost of the tests. They range from £25-60 per sample.
Once the reports come back to me I can interpret them and determine the course of remediation and regeneration actions that suit your context and budget.
PERMACULTURE LANDSCAPE TO HELP YOU LIVE THE GOOD LIFE
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