Find yourself on the land – The story of why from the founder Tom Morphew…

Founder Tom Morphew has always been passionate about farming, however over the years he has learnt about the positive impact that farming and horticulture can have on people’s wellbeing.

“When I first started farming, I took for granted how important it was for me to be outside, Then I meet my mate Dave Gee an ex-military policeman and all round nice fella. He was trying to help a few ex army boys who were suffering from PTSD. I asked the question would a bit of horticultural therapy (gardening with a posh name) help them? We got chatting and the concept of the garden army was born… “

Tom recognised early on that he did not want to limit the Garden Army to just ex-military. People from all walks of life working and supporting each other as a collective makes for a stronger supportive Army. Bringing people together with something to do that they are interested in, sharing knowledge and experiences, and learning about themselves and others can be powerful. 

So, this is what the Garden Army stands for, an army of people who need one another and need to be outside getting their hands dirty.

What are the Garden Army working on over the next 6 months?

We have big ambitions for our little corner of West Sussex these include:

• The completion of the therapeutic farm and kitchen garden the majority of this work is now complete but we still have a few plans for improvements

• A Sensory garden and quiet area

• Hard standing paths round the kitchen garden for better accessibility

• Relaxation and quiet spaces

• The refurbishment of the old barn this is now 85% complete and now has a fitted kitchen and large seating area.

• pigs….lots of pigs