Our Mission

Our mission is to promote physical activity and good health through community gardening; in an environment where horticulture supports well-being, therapy and rehabilitation.

Our Vision

To be a leading exemplar of nature-based well-being, where the restorative power of horticulture profoundly connects individuals – patients, staff, and community – with nature, fostering flourishing health, community spirit, and a deeper understanding of our natural world.

Ninewells Community Garden Sign
Garden volunteers working with plants

About The Garden

Ninewells Community Garden lies in the beautiful arboretum of Ninewells Hospital, Dundee (near to Maggie's).

The garden is run by volunteers, with the support of garden facilitators and is available at all times for public, patients, staff, community groups, and garden volunteers to attend: for picnics, walks and play as well as gardening and a range of other activities throughout the year.

We have a selection of plants and produce available for sale (by donation), depending on the season – do call by and have a look.

The garden is set within the mature woodland to the south of the hospital. This woodland (Arboretum) has many lovely walks – here you will see mature oak, spruce, beech, walnut, pine and many more. There is an abundance of wildlife – look out for buzzards, stoats, woodpeckers and deer.

Video About The Garden

Video About The Garden

How you would get to NCG from the bus terminal at Ninewells
Meet NCG Stakeholders

Our Garden and Outreach Staff

The garden itself is always open, and a facilitator is on site most weekdays, to support our volunteers and oversee the day-to-day running of the garden. Most importantly we have a rich and diverse team of volunteers who look after the garden, the wildlife and help run workshops and events – without the support of volunteers the garden would not be able to function!

👤

Jek: (Tuesday-Friday) Community Engagement Facilitator

Working to link the hospital to the surrounding area and the people who live there, Jek has come from the Dandelion Project, co-ordinating volunteers at Fair Growing Green. Jek has a background in Fine art and realised the benefit of growing during lockdown so built on that experience with further horticultural training. Jek is leading the REALITIES research study with researchers from the University of Dundee and Edinburgh. The study focuses on Inequalities in Health & Social Prescribing.

👥

June: (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)

She is one of our Garden Facilitators and has a wealth of experience in a variety of community settings. A large part of June's horticultural knowledge was gained from working at St Andrews Botanic Garden and St Andrews Community Urban Farm. June has extensive experience working with volunteers, organising and running workshops, supporting people with both physical and mental health issues.

🌱

Well-being, Therapy, and Rehabilitation Support:

The environment is specifically designed where horticulture supports overall well-being, serves as a therapeutic space, and aids in rehabilitation for various individuals.

Read More...
🎓

Educational Programs & Workshops:

The garden hosts various events and workshops, such as plant swaps, music sessions, and yoga, providing opportunities for learning and engagement.

Read More...
🌳

Access to a Therapeutic Green Space:

The garden provides a free, accessible, and calming outdoor environment for patients, staff, visitors, and the wider community for relaxation, reflection, and connection with nature.

Read More...
🤝

Volunteer Opportunities:

It offers diverse roles for volunteers to contribute to the garden's maintenance, community building, and visitor engagement.

Read More...

Who We Are

Ninewells Community Garden is a volunteer-led project and is managed by its trustees who share a passion for gardening and believe in the therapeutic benefits to promote physical and mental wellbeing. Our current trustees are:

✓

Peter Sandwell: (Chair)

Retired after 39 years in local government, involved in the development of parks and the local environment. Peter has a keen interest in promoting community involvement in parks and gardening.

✓

Mary Colvin (Secretary):

Retired, with 35 years experience working in the NHS, and currently holding a range of voluntary roles. Mary has been involved with the development of the green space at the arboretum and the Community Garden since 2010.

✓

Tom Mann (Treasurer):

An Accountant for 50 years. Tom has first hand experience of the therapeutic benefit of Ninewells community garden while his wife was undergoing treatment at Ninewells.

✓

Dr Derek Ritchie:

Retired, 30 years in General Medical Practice. Particularly interested in how gardening and gardens can benefit the health of the community in a holistic manner.

✓

James Doig:

Retired chartered engineer with 35 years experience in manufacturing industry with roles in industrial engineering and business management. Jim, a novice beekeeper, is passionate about conservation of the natural world, and can regularly be seen working in the Community Garden, along with his faithful companion Ruaraidh the Labrador dog.

✓

Vicki Tully:

Vicki currently works in NHS Tayside and at the School of Medicine leading and teaching others how to improve healthcare. Vicki has a keen interest in nature-based solutions to wellbeing.

✓

Kitty Chilcott:

Kitty is a Staff Tutor and External Engagement Partnerships Manager at Open University and believes in the importance of community engagement and the beneficial impact this can have on health and wellbeing.

Lush garden with various plants and flowers