Based in Broughty Ferry, and overlooking the River Tay, sits a community garden blooming with cherry blossom trees, vibrant snapdragons, and wildflowers that could be the envy of any cottage gardener.
This stunning outdoor space has become a hub within the community thanks to the work of SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and their Chrysalis Project, which has been supporting people with their mental health for over twenty years through therapeutic horticulture.
Horticultural Therapy
Situated in Duntrune Community Garden, the Chrysalis Project aims to help those struggling with mental health issues to develop new skills that contribute positively to their wellbeing. Volunteers undertake a two-year commitment to the garden, and work with SAMH staff on projects that best suit their interests, such as growing their own vegetable patch or decorating the garden with creative artwork.
This is not the first project of its kind for SAMH, who will soon be celebrating their centenary year. They have been involved in the horticulture space since 1983 when they opened the Sprouts Garden Market in Edinburgh, and they have since introduced several community gardens across Scotland that aim to promote the many benefits of horticultural therapy.
Community Roots
Lucy Wakefield, a Horticulture Practitioner with the Chrysalis Project, explained how the garden has grown to become a hub within the community. “Last year, the project expanded to take over an old bowling green and we turned it into a welcoming space for the community to use. Many groups are using the space, including the local college who are working with Froglife to develop our pond area, and a nursery group who come and help us grow seeds and harvest veggies. We also run family activities throughout the year such as pond dipping sessions and insect hunts.”
Horticultural therapy is known for bringing a multitude of physical and mental health benefits, as well as giving the individual an opportunity to learn new skills in gardening and growing produce. Volunteers at the Chrysalis Project go from having little to no experience in horticulture, to becoming experts at growing tomatoes or propagating seeds.
Future Plans
They have plans to raise funds for an outdoor kitchen so that they can fully enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labour, allowing them to cook their homegrown produce and eat meals together as a group.
With ambitious goals and a thriving community atmosphere, the Chrysalis Project shows no signs of slowing down, and the benefits to both volunteers and staff members are endless.
Lucy said, “It’s inspiring to see how people develop while they are in the garden. It’s a privilege to see volunteers enjoying the space and learning new skills, and it feels like a caring and supportive community. The SAMH team all feel their mental health is improved by being in the garden, and we can see how positively it affects others too.”
The Duntrune Community Garden has been selected for the balloting phase to receive investment from the Dundee Climate Fund. You can find out more about the initiative here.