Estimated Price

£1,000

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Project Summary

The Dirrans Centre is a rehabilitation service that supports individuals living with long-term conditions, helping them manage challenges related to physical health, mental health, and cognitive wellbeing. One of our valued initiatives is the Gardening Group, which meets most Tuesdays (weather permitting). This group is made up of volunteers who have previously used our service and now wish to give back by creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.

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Project Description

The volunteers work tirelessly each week to keep on top of weeds, plant growth, grass, and pruning. This can feel like an endless task, but the motivation of our volunteers never wavers. Every volunteer has previously used the service themselves, and they are passionate about giving something back to the community that once supported them.

Our vision is to make the garden a welcoming, calming space that others can enjoy — a true extension of the outdoors where people can experience the physical and mental benefits of being surrounded by nature.

To help combat the ongoing issue of weeds, we have recently started using membrane and stones. However, over time these materials degrade and need to be replaced. This year, we hope to refresh the garden’s weed prevention measures to make the space easier to maintain and allow our volunteers to focus more on planting and enhancing the garden’s visual appeal rather than the constant battle with weeds.

Funding requirements:

• Garden stones: We require approximately 4 tonnes of stones at a cost of £157.01 per tonne.
• Tree loppers: We need to upgrade our tree loppers (x1) at a cost of £33.36.
• Amount left over will be spent on the following: 
• Perennials: Introducing more perennial plants will reduce long-term costs while maintaining a vibrant, colourful garden that encourages bees and insects. Costs range between £5–£20 per plant.
• Fruit & vegetable area: This year, we successfully grew strawberries, potatoes, and cooking apples. We would love to expand this area further, as it supports our cooking groups and allows us to use fresh produce grown onsite. For example, a plum tree costs £39.99.

Our team also builds wooden planters on-site, allowing us to expand our planting efforts in a sustainable way.

The garden plays an important role in accessibility for people who use our service, some of whom have limited or no access to a private garden. We provide raised beds and a measured walking loop, which is used for mindful walking and physiotherapy practice. These measured laps help service users gradually increase their walking distance, build confidence, and track their progress.

The sensory element of the garden — including herbs, lavender, and other fragrant plants — creates a therapeutic environment, providing additional mental health benefits.

With funding support, our volunteers will be able to focus more on developing the planting and visual beauty of the garden rather than spending most of their time fighting weeds. This will create a lasting, positive impact for everyone who uses and enjoys this special space