A SELF advocacy group for people with learning disabilities has been busy in the garden.
CLASP Wokingham’s Gardening Club began in April, and its members have been getting to work planting a range of fruit, vegetables, and flowers.
The green fingered gardeners have been supported in their activities by the community.
“Pete from Green ‘n’ Tidy has very generously supported us from the start, bringing invaluable knowledge, advice and manpower,” said CLASP support co-ordinator Michele Munro.
Tesco Community Champion, Louise Jedras donated compost and flowers, and Newbury Building Society supported the group with money to buy gardening items.
“We have been very lucky with the weather, and when it was dry, Oakfield Court resident Sally helped us with watering duties,” said Ms Munro.
Following a Facebook request, the group has also been gifted various plants by local residents.
The resourceful members have upcycled and re-used lots of items, including pallets, a filing cabinet, and an old broken wheelbarrow.
“We have been growing flowers, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, runner beans, courgettes, marrows and sunflowers,” said Ms Munro.
“And we have a gorgeous rose named Special Friend, with a butterfly plaque to remember a special member of the group who sadly passed away last year.
CLASP and Gardening Club member Michael, says: “I enjoyed being outside in a small group growing vegetables and flowers, and achieving, and seeing the results.
“I learned different ways to grow flowers and vegetables”.
The Gardening Club setting was used for CLASP’s recent celebratory picnic at the end of Learning Disability Awareness week.
The group aims to work in the garden until September, and hopes to resume growing next year.
Gardening Club runs every Thursday, at Oakfield Court, Barkham Road, from 1pm to 3pm.
All adults from the learning disability community are welcome to join, but the group asks that they get in touch first to let them know.
For more information about CLASP, or to contact the group, visit: www.claspwokingham.org or call: 0118 228 1801 or 07780 749453.
