Growing Opportunities
Introduction to Service
Growing Opportunities is a service of Ideal for All, which offers a range of activities from two fully accessible gardens, developed by disabled people with diverse needs in mind.
- Malthouse Garden is a third of an acre therapeutic garden in Smethwick, with classroom, fully equipped kitchen, decorative flower gardens, vegetable beds, wildlife garden, glasshouse and polytunnels.
- Salop Drive Market Garden in Bristnall, Oldbury, is a three acre working market garden & local food project which supplies bags of freshly grown vegetables to local households. It has a glasshouse, polytunnels, outdoor growing beds, allotment plots, decorative and wildlife gardens.
Both gardens are accessible and supervised by trained horticultural therapists who can tailor gardening activities to suit your needs.
Ideal for All is acting as lead organisation in the development of the Sandwell Community Agriculture Strategy, which looks to develop the vision for community agriculture across the borough.
What does the service offer?
The gardens offer a year round programme of garden based activities, social events, courses and healthy living activities for Sandwell residents of all ages.
Opportunities to:
- Learn more about growing plants and vegetables with regular hands on gardening sessions and courses.
- Try cooking from fresh and learn more about healthier eating.
- Take gentle exercise through gardening, health walks.
- Meet people at garden based social events throughout the year.
- Relieve stress and improve fitness through working outdoors in a beautiful setting.
- Schools, colleges and early years groups take part in curriculum related workshops in the gardens.
- Get advice on setting up accessible gardens and sustainable food projects.
- Find out more about the development of Sandwell Community Agriculture Programme.
How can I access the service & when is it available?
If you are:
- Sandwell Residents *
- School, Surestart group or educational establishment
- Community Group or Social Club
- Social or health care agency or professional
(* Out of borough groups and induviduals may be subject to a charge)
The Growing Opportunities Service runs an action packed programme throughout the year. Gardening sessions take place at the gardens on most days of the week, as well as social, learning health based, leisure activities.
