DÉJEUNER SUR L’HERBE.

What a wonderful way to spend a Friday lunchtime in June: having a delicious picnic lunch in a beautiful wildflower garden in the centre of Farnham.

On 5 June I was invited to join Space2Grow’s – Farnham’s Community Wellbeing Garden – annual Big Lunch to celebrate the garden’s community, sharing food and friendship. 

Space2Grow is a volunteer-led wellbeing garden situated next to St Andrew’s Church in central Farnham.  The charity supports some of the most vulnerable people in Farnham; using outdoor activity, nature and supportive relationships to help individuals facing social, emotional and practical challenges. Through the garden and the changing seasons, Space2Grow strengthens resilience, confidence and connection across its community. It offers activities for pre-school children, teenagers, young carers and parents, alongside workshops and community support.  The site also hosts a Men-in-Sheds group, helping older residents reduce social isolation while contributing to wider community initiatives.

It was fascinating talking to Lou James, Space2Grow’s founder and a family psychotherapist with experience of working in the NHS and CAHMS (child and adult mental health services), about her vision to transform a neglected walled garden and use it to meet gaps and unmet need in the provision of emotional support and community connection. The garden is maintained by a group of incredibly dedicated volunteers and – as I witnessed – enjoyed by a large group of very happy children, who seemed to love running around the space, climbing on the climbing frame and making “vampire soup” in the Mud Kitchen!

www.space2grow.space