Adam’s Garden

Adam loved the natural world. It inspired many of his poems, and he particularly enjoyed visiting public gardens, especially the Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens , close to his home.

In 2025, ten years after Adam’s death, EarthRuns created a series of challenges which could be completed by walking, running, swimming or buggy-riding, inspired by Adam’s poetry and his love of nature. For every challenge completed, Earth Runs planted trees. Thanks to the participation of hundreds of people moving in Adam’s memory, 1,520 trees were planted. These trees will help create habitats for an estimated 456,000 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Following Adam’s death, his mother, AdsFoundation Director Dr Zoe Picton-Howell, began creating a garden in his memory. At the time, the family garden consisted of little more than a lawn. Over the years, transforming it into a beautiful and wildlife-friendly space became a source of comfort and healing. Gardening provided both physical activity and a place for reflection, supporting Zoe’s wellbeing through bereavement.

AdsFoundation now hopes to use the garden as a way of raising funds for the charity while also promoting the many benefits of connecting with nature. Plans are still at an early stage, but a village Open Garden event is planned for July, with a Tulip Day and plant sale being considered for early 2027.

Through these pages, we will also share information and resources about the health and wellbeing benefits of gardening, nature connection, and creating spaces that support both people and wildlife.

Resources (these will be added to overtime)

Reading:

Why gardening makes us feel better – and how to make the most of it / RHS Gardening

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Gardening​ for Mind and Body

NHS England » Green social prescribing

Green social prescribing involves helping people engage with nature-based activities and interventions that support both mental and physical wellbeing. Social prescribing link workers (contacted via your GP) along with other trusted professionals, connect individuals with community groups, organisations, and local services through personalised conversations focused on understanding “what matters” to them.

Green social prescribing encompasses a wide range of green and blue space activities, including walking groups, community gardening, conservation volunteering, green gyms, open-water swimming, and outdoor arts or cultural programmes. Depending on an individual’s needs and circumstances, link workers may recommend these activities alongside other forms of support, such as assistance with housing, financial advice, or social care services, providing a holistic approach to improving health and wellbeing.

You Tube:

Source: MedEdPage The Surprising Health Benefits of Gardening

https://youtu.be/iQCkVXRcHR0?si=026UG49GzOZ1Ohm2

Source: Royal Horticultural Society; Ellen Mary’s 3 top tips for gardening for wellbeing

https://youtu.be/nd2zJbqzmdA?si=NzLwFtJ8yZQOhOOb

New to gardening and not sure where to start:

Source: The Middle Sized Garden; How to garden – what every beginner gardener needs to know

https://youtu.be/tdcGgD1kQFM?si=Xvm1ewJ-cEVepRsy

We always welcome your feedback on our resources, including suggestions of any additional resources we should include or any changes you think we should make to our existing resources. Please use the CONTACT US tab above to share your thoughts with us. Thank you