A group of gardeners with learning disabilities are celebrating after showing off their pioneering garden to tens of thousands of people at the world’s largest flower show.
Gardeners with learning disabilities from Furzey Gardens in Minstead recently showcased their latest creation at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.
The 'Reflective waters of inclusivity' came after a crowd-funding initiative collected more than £10,000 in March, with an additional £1,000 donated by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Numerous gardeners who have long faced discriminatory practices and limited opportunities demonstrated their gardening abilities honed during their years at Furzey Gardens.
Supported gardener Simon said ‘I told people about the plants. I love a garden, I think the garden is pretty.’
Supported gardener Rhianne said ‘I enjoyed telling everyone about the garden and the plants from Furzey. Seeing what people think of it and telling people what we do and what we like doing. I think that the garden is beautiful.’
Furzey Gardens is maintained by the Minstead Trust, a charity that has been assisting individuals with learning disabilities for close to four decades, helping them keep up the gardens and cultivate plants for sale.
The display aimed to transform societal perceptions of people with learning disabilities, while offering them a platform to demonstrate their capabilities.
Inspired by a minor waterfall area beside Furzey’s popular lake, the garden features an array of flora, including Acer, Palmatum, hosta's, and Salvia's.
Artist Shaun Stevens helped envision the 'Reflective waters of inclusivity.' Special extras comprised pebbles made from repurposed clay from a fallen oak tree on Minstead Trust's property, adorned with the initials of those the Trust supports, as well as staff and volunteers.
It was enhanced by two fairy doors and several felt butterflies and frogs made by people with learning disabilities.
John Davies, Minstead Trust senior instructor, said: "This was a really exciting challenge the guys took on, a chance for them to show what they can do if given opportunities that are usually not available to them.
"Many of them have been through really hard times in their lives and they have loved standing at the show and feeling really proud of what they have achieved. I hope people will continue to support us so that we can change some minds around what people with learning disabilities can do if given a chance."
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