Finding calm in the plant nursery with Katie

29 June 2026

There are many ways to enjoy Furzey Gardens.

For some visitors, it’s a family day out filled with fairy doors, winding paths and adventures through the trees. For others, it’s a peaceful walk, a quiet moment by the lake, or time spent with a cup of tea in the tearoom.

For Katie, one of our supported gardeners in the Furzey plant nursery, it’s the calm that makes the biggest difference.

‘I feel nice and relaxed,’ Katie says, when asked how she feels at Furzey.

In the nursery, Katie helps pot up plants which are later sold to visitors. It’s careful, hands-on work, and like any good gardening job, it can get a little messy.

‘It makes my hands feel soft,’ Katie says. ‘And also very dirty. But that’s okay. That’s part and parcel of gardening.’

The plants grown and cared for in the nursery play an important part at Furzey. Many are taken to plant sales, where money raised helps support the work of Minstead Trust, giving more neurodisabled people the opportunity to build skills, confidence and independence.

A quieter space to concentrate

At Furzey, the nursery is  a space where people can learn, take their time, enjoy being outdoors and feel part of a team.

Katie comes to Furzey on Fridays, where she works alongside staff, volunteers and other supported gardeners. There’s plenty of friendship and laughter too. Katie says she often sings with Matt and Mike in the nursery, especially when someone says something that reminds them of a song.

‘It’s hilarious,’ she says. ‘It is nice.’

But Katie also knows how important quieter moments can be.

When the gardens are calm, it can be easier to focus, enjoy the task in front of you and feel settled in your surroundings.

‘A lot of people like it when it’s quiet,’ Katie says. ‘I’m one of them, because when it’s too noisy, it’s hard to concentrate. You get distracted.’

That feeling is something many people will recognise. A quieter visit gives you space to notice more: the sound of birds in the trees, the shape of a leaf, the scent of flowers, the gentle rhythm of the garden around you.

For Katie, it can make a real difference to the way she works.

‘When it’s loud and noisy, I can still concentrate,’ she says. ‘But not as much. I get distracted a lot more.’

A garden made for slowing down

Furzey has always been a place where people can explore at their own pace.

There are hidden corners to discover, benches tucked away among the planting, and peaceful spots where you can simply sit for a while. Katie’s favourite place to pause is somewhere in the garden, especially near Heaven’s Gate.

It’s these quiet places that help make Furzey feel special. They invite you to slow down, breathe a little deeper and enjoy the garden in your own way.

For visitors who prefer a calmer experience, quieter times can offer a gentler way to enjoy everything Furzey has to offer. The paths feel more peaceful, the nursery and planting can be appreciated in more detail, and the whole garden has a slower, softer feel.

It’s also a reminder that Furzey is not just a beautiful garden. It’s a place where people grow too.

Every plant potted, every skill practised, every moment of confidence built in the nursery is part of the wider story of Furzey Gardens and Minstead Trust. When you visit, buy a plant, enjoy the tearoom or simply spend time in the garden, you are helping to support that work.

Small moments, big meaning

Katie’s favourite plant colours are pinks and purples. She enjoys seeing the gardens from the nursery and the café, including the thatched cottage and the planting that changes through the seasons.

These may sound like small moments, but they are part of what makes Furzey feel so loved.

A quiet morning in the nursery. Hands in the soil. A shared song between friends. A favourite colour in bloom. A place to sit and feel calm.

For Katie, and for many others, Furzey offers the space to concentrate, connect and feel relaxed.

So, if you’re looking for a quieter visit, come and experience the gardens at a gentler pace. Wander slowly, find a peaceful corner, and take time to notice the small details.

You might just discover that Furzey feels even more magical when it’s calm.

Furzey Garden’s Plant Nursery is kindly supported by Tendring Care Home, a 23 Bedded care home situated in Totton. Residents will be supported by friendly, experienced and professional staff who are highly trained in all aspects of care.