Five Years at Rowse Farm: Reflections and Well-Being Tips
It’s hard to believe we’ve been at Rowse Farm for over five years now. Time seems to have flown by! Our journey began in a rather unusual way, with our first year of business coinciding with the lockdowns. Despite the challenges, we were fortunate to welcome many lovely guests who embraced the staycation trend, as international travel was off the cards. It was an incredible way to start our adventure here, meeting so many people exploring the beauty of the UK.
Thrive
Before moving to Rowse Farm, Kirsty worked at a fantastic organisation called Thrive. Thrive is a social and therapeutic horticultural charity based in Battersea Park, London. Their mission is to help people improve their physical and mental well-being through gardening and a love of the outdoors. It’s an amazing charity where magic happens, thanks to the talented staff and inspirational client gardeners. The idea is simple yet powerful: gardening can be a tool for growth, healing, and joy for everyone.
During the first lockdown, Thrive launched an online Gardening Club. It was a brilliant way to support people during such an uncertain time. The club offers helpful tips and advice on simple gardening activities that can boost mental health, improve mood, and increase energy levels. We signed up to their monthly email newsletter and always look forward to the inspiring content they share.
One of our favorite resources from Thrive is their January well-being calendar. Each year, they create a calendar packed with daily tasks to make the often gloomy month of January more enjoyable and fulfilling. The tasks are easy to follow and can be done in any order or at your own pace. This year’s calendar includes activities like seed sorting, cloud spotting, sharpening secateurs, and making an apple bird feeder. It’s a delightful way to find joy in small, meaningful tasks while staying connected to nature.
Winter Jobs
Over the last few days, we’ve been lucky to have some dry weather, so we’ve tackled a few tasks around the farm. From tidying up ivy to repairing and replacing fences, there’s always something to keep us busy during the quiet season. Whilst we might not complete all the tasks on the Thrive calendar, our work often spills into February, ensuring we’re never short of things to do!
If you’re looking for inspiration this January, we highly recommend checking out Thrive’s website. Their client gardeners’ stories are truly uplifting, and their resources might just encourage you to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Even a short stroll or a small gardening project can do wonders for your well-being.
Here’s to embracing the outdoors, finding joy in the little things, and making the most of these quieter months. Happy January from all of us at Rowse Farm!