A group of gardeners with learning disabilities are showcasing and celebrating their pioneering gardens to tens of thousands of people at the world's biggest flower show.
Gardeners with learning disabilities from Fursey Gardens in Minstead recently showed off their latest creations at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.
Inclusive Reflecting Water came to fruition after a crowdfunding effort raised more than £10,000 in March, with a further £1,000 donated by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Many gardeners, who have long faced discriminatory practices and limited opportunities, showed off the horticultural skills they had honed during their years at Furzey Gardens.
Simon, the gardener who received the support, said: “I've told everyone about the plants. I love gardens and I think this garden is beautiful.”
Lianne, a supported gardener, said: “I've enjoyed telling everyone about Fergie's garden and the plants, seeing what they think and telling them what we do and what we love to do. I think the garden is beautiful.”
Fergie Gardens is looked after by the Minstead Trust, a charity which has been supporting people with learning disabilities for almost 40 years, and helps maintain the gardens and grow plants for sale.
Ligularia, hosta and maple (Image: Provided)
The exhibition aimed to change society's perception of people with learning disabilities while giving them a platform to fulfil their abilities.
Inspired by a small waterfall area next to Fergie's popular lake, the garden features a variety of plants, including maples, fireweed, hostas and salvias.
Artist Sean Stevens helped conceive the 'Inclusive Reflecting Water' and one of the special touches is a series of pebbles made from recycled clay from a fallen oak tree on the Minstead Trust grounds, engraved with the initials of the Trust's beneficiaries, staff and volunteers.
It was further enhanced by two fairy doors made by people with learning disabilities and some felt butterflies and frogs.
John Davis, senior instructor at Minstead Trust, said: “This was a really exciting challenge that the players took on and a chance for them to show what they can do when given opportunities they wouldn't normally get.”
“Many of them have been through really tough times in their lives and they enjoy standing on the show and feeling really proud of what they've achieved. I hope everyone will continue to support us so that we can change people's ideas about what people with learning disabilities can do if they are given the chance.”
