Recovery Supports Australia runs group and individual gardening sessions in the Avondale Heights Community Gardens. NDIS participants can become a member and access the Community gardens and the Recovery Supports Australia Plots.
Our passionate support workers can help you plant your own crops and harvest organic foods, for you to cook at the group or at home.
We teach a vast range of horticulture skills including: Using garden tools safely and effectively, identification of plants and insects, foraging for edibles, irrigation system installation, composting, vermiculture, organic gardening methods and fertilising, pruning, raising seedlings, growing plants from cuttings and mulching.
During sessions we can build useful items for the garden such as worm farms, wicking pots and pot plants. These items can be taken home by the participant to continue their gardening at home.
Gardening and tending to plants can help us relax, socialise with others and connect with nature.
It is an excellent mindful activity that can take our focus away from our anxieties and bring us into the present moment. Gardening is a rewarding hobby with an incredible amount of physical and mental health benefits.
(Gardening is also a hobby with heaps of delicious, organic rewards at the end!)
Exposure to sunlight during gardening can increase vitamin D and calcium levels, which strengthens your bones.
Grow and eat organic produce that is free from pesticides and fertiliser.
Gardening is a great low impact exercise that can help with mobility and burn calories.
Getting your hands in the dirt while gardening can provide a deep sense of connection and can be extremely grounding.
In fact, inhaling M. vaccae, a healthy bacteria that lives in soil, can increase levels of serotonin and reduce anxiety.
Come have a laugh and learn gardening in a supportive friendly atmosphere.
We have many keen gardeners to talk to share ideas with and learn new things.
Gardening boosts cognitive function, and one study found it could lead to a 36% lower risk of dementia.
Seretonin and Dopamine are released during gardening and harvesting.
We meet twice a week in the Community Garden. Participants can learn different skills or help out managing the garden.
We have Gardening Plots and Community Garden areas where participants can harvest silver-beet, spinach, raspberries, black berries, figs, apples, pears, asparagus plus many other seasonal harvests.
We work together to build Garden products like wicking pots, vertical gardens that participants can take home to continue and grow their passion for Gardening.
We have regular BBQ lunches and cooking demonstrations to use the garden produce and encourage healthy eating. These materials and lunches are provided in the NDIS cost per participant.
We run two group gardening sessions each week Monday and Saturday 9 am – 1pm.
We meet at the Avondale Heights Community Garden, Rear of 2/22 River Dr, Avondale Heights, VIC, 3034.
Enter between house number 22 & 24 on River Drive
Any NDIS participant who wants to be a part of an inclusive, supportive group. Embrace their love of Gardening and meet new friends.
We aim to run our gardening groups at a 1:2 ratio. This includes lunch and any gardening products built in a session. 1:1 sessions are also available for clients to enjoy the garden space.
If you have any questions about our Gardening Program or any other Programs we have?
Please feel free to book a 30 Minute Discovery Call in the calendar on the right.
Taking the first step is often the most difficult one, yet its necessary to begin your journey towards recovery. The sooner you take it though, the sooner your progress towards a more independent and fulfilling life begins.
We provide one on one support coordination and coaching for NDIS participants with mental illness. We help participants break down their goals and achieve them to live a fulfilling and joyous life.
