Gamesley's new Wellbeing Garden officially opens

A new Wellbeing Garden at Gamesley Roman Gardens has officially opened, providing a peaceful space where local people can enjoy nature, take some time out and focus on their wellbeing.

The garden was created using plants donated by Glossop horticulturist Dan Steel from his award-winning RHS Sandringham Flower Show garden ‘Between Chaos & Order’, which won a Silver-Gilt Medal.  

Following the show, the garden was carefully dismantled and the plants were brought to Gamesley, where Dan, his husband James and local volunteers set about transforming the space.  

The official opening took place on Saturday 26th September during Suicide Awareness Month and brought together local residents and organisations to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.  

Representatives from Derbyshire Mental Health & Suicide Prevention, High Peak Borough Council, The Bureau and the Gamesley Neighbourhood Team attended, alongside members of Friends of Residents of Gamesley (FROGS) and other community members.  

Dan said the garden had a particularly personal meaning for him, as its design was inspired by his own experience of finding comfort in horticulture.  

“The garden, which I designed for RHS Sandringham, was designed to signify a place of refuge away from the modern, overstimulating world, and it comes from my own experience into horticulture” he said.  

“That was a dark period in my life. It was during the pandemic, when everyone was struggling with things, and I naturally found myself gravitating towards being outdoors. I found it helpful being in the garden, planting.  

“It’s really nice that the garden I created for Sandringham, which was an homage to that journey, has now found its final home and can be shared with everyone.”  

Dan previously worked in IT before deciding to retrain in horticulture. He studied part-time at an RHS Academy in Preston, Myerscough College, learning the principles and practicalities of horticulture, and was named Horticulturalist of the Year during his studies.  

He now runs his own business, offering full garden design services, maintenance packages, wedding flowers and celebration arrangements for individuals and corporate clients.  

He also runs mindful floristry workshops and has delivered sessions at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, using the calming practice to help patients through difficult times.  

For Dan, one of the things he loves most about horticulture is that there is always something new to learn.  

“I think that’s the thing I love about horticulture - you never stop learning, and I’m really enjoying the journey” he said.  

Dan is currently working on collaborations with other gardening professionals and may exhibit at future RHS events. His favourite flower is the orchid, although he admits “they are very difficult to grow!”  

Dan’s services and portfolio can be viewed at www.quintessence.fyi  

Helen Thornhill, Strategic Centre Manager at Gamesley Community Centre, thanked Dan for his contribution to the project. “We are very grateful to Dan for contacting us to create this garden and for being so generous with his plants and his time” she said.  

“He and a group of residents have spent around nine hours planting, and he has returned to nurture the garden. He is a real asset to the community.”  

Helen said the garden was intended to give local people a place to enjoy the views and have some quiet time.  

“This is a mindful garden and the idea is that people can come, enjoy the beautiful view and have some quiet time” she said. “We also want people to be part of the garden and help us to take care of it – if you see a weed, pull it out!  

“We would love more volunteers to help with the garden’s upkeep, and also anyone who would be willing to create a shelter for seating so residents can enjoy the space whatever the weather.”  

No gardening experience is needed, with Helen encouraging anyone interested to get involved. “People don’t need to have any prior skills and, in fact, they can help alongside Dan and learn something from him” she said.  

Local residents Christine and Roy Potts, whose granddaughter attends the youth club, were among those who helped with creating the garden. “We came away full of mud but feeling so pleased that we had achieved something” they said. “It was such good fun.  

“Gamesley is a brilliant community, everyone knows each other and people speak to one another and help each other.”  

The opening was an opportunity to thank everyone who had played a part in bringing the garden to life, with a special mention for volunteer Kerry Halliwell, who baked delicious cakes for the celebration. 

To view all the photos from the official opening visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KP73ZWRmR/?mibextid=wwXIfr