Let’s Grow Together

The Power of Partnership: Carer and Cared-For

Batman didn’t fly without Robin, nor did Ginger without Fred. Lennon and McCartney were at their best when in harmony, whilst Kermit was never whole without Miss Piggy. And so is the Carer and Cared For. This bacon and eggs combo, the unsung hero partnership in community, is a crucial thread of a thriving society’s fabric,albeit frayed and under strain often.

It’s certainly one I’ve noticed a lot over the years whilst engaged in an array of gardening projects in care settings, particularly when the carers are unpaid and the dependents are aging parents or extended family members. Caring for someone in your own home is certainly different to a paid carer in a ‘workplace’ setting, and both have their respective challenges and benefits. When it comes to realising the benefits around gardening, the home care situation really does have the best opportunity.

The Benefits of Gardening for Carers and the Cared-For

The principles of therapeutic horticulture are extended to every single human being, it just happens whether we are conscious of it or not. That’s a big tick already. No study or qualifications required! The beauty of of gardening’s benefits for the carer & cared-for, is that both get to benefit simultaneously. What other activities in the caring space really do cater to both participants at the same time to the same degree? As a carer, there is nothing wrong about caring for yourself too, in fact, we know it’s important.  So why not choose something that indulges both people in the partnership and provide an enrichment beyond what most imagine. 

Gardening: A Truly Inclusive Activity

In gardening one can be engaged passively, merely by being present within or staring into green spaces, or at much more actively such as planting out seedlings or moving through parks and the bush. The therapeutic benefit of any green activity is truly non-discriminatory. It is without a doubt the most inclusive pastime. It resonates with the young or the old, rich or poor, city or country folk, male or female, experienced or inexperienced gardeners, by oneself or in groups, regardless of creed or culture, regardless of ability or location … and whether you are a carer or the cared for!

A Personal Perspective on Gardening in Care

As a longtime community and charitable gardening participant, I’ve been very privileged to have pretty much seen and heard it all around the benefits of gardening in caring situations. As a founding member and sponsor of Therapeutic Horticulture Australia, I can also confirm there are plenty of empirical scientific studies and academic papers proving these benefits if you want to go digging down that path. Irrespective of all that, one thing I can guarantee is that starting with something very small, even just planting one pot together, will make you feel good . In fact, it will bring you more joy than you’d expect so don’t be surprised when you suddenly find yourself surrounded by a stack of thriving plants where there was nothing before.

Let’s Grow Together

A whole host of benefits can take hold with such a small step beyond that initial ‘green joy’ – a deeper connection, the unearthing of stories of times gone by and plans for the future, senses of achievement, physical exercise, an edible harvest,  a decorative creation, a diversional therapy … the list goes on.

So come on, let’s grow for it … together!

About the Author

Simon Holloway is a presenter on Channel 9’s Garden Gurus show. He co-founded Vegepod and leads their Community division. Simon also provides consultation services for private gardens and organisational settings, including aged care, schools, disability programs, and affordable housing.

Simon can be reached on simon.holloway@ausegrow.com.au

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