Date published: 27 April 2026
A treasured garden, which has become a haven for people recovering from a mental health crisis, can be a nurturing oasis all year round now.
Thanks to the support of Mersey Cares, our Mersey Care NHS Charity.
A heated polytunnel at Peasley Cross Hospital funded by the charity means flowers, fruit and vegetables can be grown and cared for even in the coldest months – which means the world to the patients in the Recovery Team Gardening Group.
Julian Hanley, who runs the group with Jacqueline Campbell, explains why the garden is so important for people’s wellbeing.
“Gardening brings people joy and tranquillity,” he said. “When you grow something from seed, there’s a huge sense of achievement and we’re especially looking forward to seeing the flowers blooming and harvesting the vegetables we’ve planted.
“Physical work in the fresh air often helps you sleep better and the social side of gardening is just as important as the end result.”
Julian added, “Service users have made lasting friendships here – it’s somewhere safe they can talk and it helps people understand they’re not alone.
“A warm place for us to meet up every week and work together means people get the benefit of this haven, come rain or shine.”
Potatoes are one of the best veg to plant in early spring. Retired professional gardener, Rick Bramma, is a member of the Recovery Team Gardening Group. He gives us his top tips.
You will need:
- A large pot or container at least 12” (30cm) wide with drainage holes at the bottom
- Small amount of stones to help with drainage
- Peat free, multi purpose compost
- Seed potatoes. Make sure you use seed potatoes for growing at home. Seed potatoes are specifically sold for planting, rather than cooking and eating. Don’t use any that look damp or mouldy
- Straw.
Fill the pot with the compost and place three to five seed potatoes a hand width apart, on the surface. If you want to chit the potatoes in advance to encourage them to sprout, keep them in an old egg box in a cool, dry place for a few weeks before planting.
Make sure any sprouts are pointing upwards.
Cover with straw or an extra 10cm of compost to prevent frost damage.
Water well and keep watering regularly. Harvest your potatoes when the flowers are in full bloom.
