On Thursday 11 July 2024 our Garden for Mind, in partnership with John Lewis Partnership and the Leckford Estate Farm Shop and Café was officially opened by the Mayor of Test Valley, Ian Jeffrey.

The sun decided to make an appearance for the occasion, shining on the garden and bringing it to life. The drinks were flowing, freshly supplied by William Fugard of Gusto Organic, Piotr Nahajski of Chalkdown Wine and Waitrose & Partners kindly donated the delicious organic soft drinks and fizz for the event.

A variety of delegates were invited to attend the afternoon, including those from TriAgg, Simplyheath, Sparsholt College and even John Lewis Partnership CEO, Nish Kankiwala was in attendance. Each of the key players in the project gave short speeches highlighting the pride and joy they have felt being involved. A stand-out message from each of the speeches was that of the incredible work project manager and Andover Mind volunteer Libby Hilling has been able to achieve. Her ambition and passion really has driven the Garden for Mind project forward. Libby was gifted flowers from the trustees of Andover Mind and received constant praise and admiration from each of the project’s contributors.

A special mention has to go to the team at Andover Mind who have not only promoted and pushed the importance of the garden, but also volunteered their time to help it into fruition.

You could already see how insects were thriving in the garden, with bees hovering over the clover lawns and bugs landing on the daisies. A real slice of nature in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, the perfect setting for this wonderful project.

Surrounded by the local press, the rope was cut and the garden officially opened by the Mayor of Test Valley, Ian Jeffrey, met by rapturous applause.

Fresh off the back of the grand opening the Mind squiggle stakes, which adorned the flowerbeds, are still available to be purchased, kindly produced by Hurstbourne Forge. The squiggles are currently on display at the garden. Once the installation has finished you’ll be able to take a little piece of the garden with you and pop it in your own patch. Click here to purchase yours. (Please note, the stakes are limited edition, so grab yours while you still can!)

The garden is a real beacon of hope for the mental health and wellbeing of those in Hampshire and we can’t wait to see how it develops, grows and benefits those who need it most.

If you’re interested in using the garden for wellbeing purposes or corporate or private events, please contact 01264 332297 or email mind@andovermind.org.uk

To find out more about the garden, please visit andovermind.org.uk/get-involved/garden/

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