Encouraging patients to take up gardening has proven to be a winner as a previously derelict outdoors area has been turned into a garden metropolis.

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) sent an Occupational Therapy team with a quest to work with a green-fingered volunteer to create a garden fit for patients to look after and visit.

Now the garden is home to elaborate flower beds, bird baths, windmills, a picnic bench, shed and a host of shrubs, flowers and fruit and vegetable plants.

Homegrown fruit and vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, beetroot, parsnips and strawberries have been all grown in the garden and then used in healthy lifestyle cookery sessions.

Norman, a volunteer with the EPUT for 18 months, sacrificed his spare time to turn the garden in the grounds of Basildon Hospital into a calm and positive environment.

Norman now visits the garden once a week where possible and believes it has been a fun initiative to be a part of. He said: “It feels good to give something back to the NHS, especially when I see patients helping and getting involved in the gardening activities.”

One patient who often enjoys the outdoor area said: “The garden is definitely of benefit to us. It’s a calm and relaxing place to be and it’s nice to sit and enjoy the colours, scents and smells.”

While another commented: “Gardening is good therapy. I come here often to water the plants and enjoy the tranquillity of the garden space.”

The gardening transformation idea has also achieved a dual purpose.

Not only can patients unwind and enjoy the outdoor pleasures, but they can also take part in valuable team building and constructive gardening activities.

In conjunction to giving patients occasional therapy sessions in a more fun outdoor setting.

Jacqui Sullivan, Occupational Therapy Clinical Lead, has urged patients to keep watering and tend to the plants to keep the project alive.

She said: “There are clear therapeutic benefits to the garden space. As well as encouraging patients to take on responsibility for watering the plants, it also provides a quiet and calm environment for patients to come and sit.

“The garden has helped provoke a sense of positivity in patients, particularly those who previously had or are now developing an interest in gardening”, Jacqui added.

“Being a part of something like this helps them believe they can continue their hobby and interest, and it doesn’t have to stop. We also work with community gardening groups who help our patients to continue developing these useful skills.”