Here are some key pointers to think about in the garden:

Tools that are smaller and lighter than standard tools

Soil alternatives that are easier and lighter to handle - coir, coir pellets, rock wool

Different size watering vessels add interest and are easier to use – old tea pots, funnels, long hose sprays, NUCAN watering can

SOS area for plants that need extra TLC

Seasonal seeds and plants that have relevance to your client group and/or geographical area

There are many ideas for bringing arts & crafts into the garden, including:

Botanical drawing using water colour paper and water colour pencils, Khadi cotton paper, age appropriate easy grip crayons/chalks

Floral pick me ups – flower cones, lavender, rosemary bags

Floral stickers

Play Doh – for making plants and flowers

Flower colouring books

Various forms of literature and poetry are great ways to connect us to nature:

Garden poetry - easy read

Wildlife picture books

Botanical colouring books

Gardening history

Artists in the garden

Consider using a variety of multi sensory materials, such as:

Objects of reference - felt flowers, soft wildlife toys, artificial flowers

Simplified pictures, photos and symbols

Communication boards and diaries

Using the senses to de-stress outdoors:

Go for a walk

Weeding

Sowing seeds

Mixing compost

Planting bulbs or plants

Collect interesting stones, sticks & pebbles

Pick strong smelling herbs and seeds

There are lots of rewarding and relaxing activities that can be carried out indoors:

Make herbal teas or tonics

Make hand scrubs and hand lotions

Compost mixing

Sow seeds

Plant bulbs

Clean indoor plant leaves