Thrive is a national charity whose mission is to research, educate and promote the use and advantages of gardening for people with a disability.

Weekend Courses

Why not come along to one of our residential courses for blind and partially sighted gardeners?
The weekends include practical workshops, tips and techniques for making gardening easier and the chance to meet other visually impaired gardeners.

The courses are run by experienced tutors and supporters with guiding skills, who will ensure all your needs are met and that you have an enjoyable weekend. The accommodation is in en-suite bedrooms and fully accessible rooms are available. You are welcome to bring a companion and they will only be charged for their accommodation.

The weekends run from late afternoon on the Friday to Sunday afternoon and cost £200 including accommodation and full board. We can pick you up from the nearest train or coach station and you are welcome to stay for an extra night on the Sunday, but there is an additional cost for this.

Elisabeth Standen from Bristol, hesitated to book her first weekend because of her additional disabilities – she is deaf and uses a wheelchair – but has now attended 14 gardening weekends. Elisabeth says: "Sharing expertise is one of the things I really love about the gardening weekends….We swap our triumphs and disasters and you get an opportunity to hear about tools and things…. We learn how to garden as independently as possible and that’s really important. It enables us to go out and do it."

Gardening Weekends 2010

The dates for the gardening weekends in 2010 are:

  • 9 - 11 April at Moulton College, near Northampton
  • 16-18 July at Cannington College, near Bridgewater, Somerset

For more information, contact our Information Service or call us on 0118 988 5688.

Did you know ?
Did you know?
Did you know that Thrive is in contact with over 900 garden projects in the UK ?
If you would like to find a garden project in your area, either to volunteer or to find help for a friend or relative, call Thrive on 0118 988 5688.