In January 2012, as part of the ‘Growing the Social Role of (Botanic) Gardens’ initiative the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch) supported the Geffrye Museum to develop an adult learning programme, ‘Evergreen Gardeners Project’. The gardens of the museum, which provide an important resource for wildlife in a highly urbanised area of London, served as inspiration for the project. A range of activities including planting, growing, baking, ceramics, printing and organised trips were developed and made accessible for older people with high support needs and their carers.

The project aimed to encourage lifelong learning and increase physical and mental wellbeing by connecting people with the natural world and their peers. Following on from the project, an activity pack which includes gardening, cookery and craft worksheets is now available to download online for free. The lessons learnt from this partnership will be carried forward by the museum to further develop work with local communities and widen the reach to vulnerable, older people.

Download the Evergreen Gardeners Activity Pack

Growing the Social Role of (Botanic) Gardens, in partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) – part of the Environment (Valuing Nature) strategy – aims to encourage (botanic) gardens to develop a more socially engaged role, rethinking their values and purpose, communicating better on environmental issues and to a wider local public.