Share your story
We love hearing about how your gardens and our Thrive advice have helped support your wellbeing. If you would like to share your story, email info@thrive.org.uk
Gardening has been part of Julie’s life for a long time. A move from Sydenham in London to the Orkney Isles some years ago opened a new world of windswept gardening opportunities.
“We have lots of gales here,” says Julie. “When people first come here from further south to live, they put up polytunnels and greenhouses. These are usually blown away within a couple of years!”
Her love of plants is a joy she likes to share with others.
“I put small plants outside my front door for folk to pick up as they pass,” says Julie. “In return they put donations through my letterbox for charity. They don't all sell and by the end of summer some get quite big. I pass these on to our local women's refuge or to Orkney's new 8-acre community park.”
A new diagnosis
Around six years ago, Julie received a diagnosis of macular degeneration. This is a progressive condition that creates distortion or loss of vision.
“During the past year, I've lost the central vision in one eye,” says Julie. “I find it hard to read or see faces. I hope the other eye will hold out. Meanwhile I am using whatever assistive technology I can.”
Julie’s diagnosis has not stopped her continuing to grow and learn in the garden.
In the last year, she acquired an allotment. She is now finding new ways to work in this space and discover what best to grow.
She has also recently joined Thrive’s free Gardening Club, having been aware of Thrive for decades. “I always meant to go to Battersea to see your garden when I was living in London,” she adds.
Julie shares some of her allotment and garden tips:
We love hearing about how your gardens and our Thrive advice have helped support your wellbeing. If you would like to share your story, email info@thrive.org.uk