Rhys: Growing more diverse plants

20 January 2026

Rhys* attends New Forest Day Opportunities at both Furzey Nursery and Minstead Lodge. He enjoys spending time in the Veg Garden and the Nursery, where he takes part in a range of gardening tasks and develops new skills through hands-on work.

Rhys particularly enjoys seasonal work and variety in what he does. As he explains:

‘I like cutting the grass in the spring and summer. Growing different types of plants. I’m growing lupins, because I got loads of seeds, that I brought with my money, so I’m growing some at the Veg Garden.’

While Rhys says he doesn’t do much gardening at home, he has some experience of cutting grass. At Furzey, he is able to build on this and try new activities that aren’t part of his everyday routine outside the nursery. Being able to work with seeds, plants and different growing conditions gives him opportunities to learn skills he wouldn’t otherwise practise.

Rhys has been developing his understanding of how plants grow and what they need to thrive. He says:

‘I’m gradually improving on sowing seeds, and finding what sort of climate it needs to be in and what sort of conditions.’

Having the time, space and support to practise these skills has helped Rhys grow in confidence. He explains that gaining this knowledge makes him feel good, and over the six years he has been attending Minstead Trust, his skills and understanding have continued to develop.

Rhys is also interested in trying new things and expanding what is grown in the nursery. He has ideas about introducing different plants to keep learning interesting:

‘It would be interesting to grow giant sunflowers down here, not just like, the same sort of stuff we grow every year. Might as well mix it up a bit, so its more interesting, so you don’t do the same sort of plants each year.’

Rhys’s experience shows how the nursery supports people to learn new skills, build knowledge over time and explore interests they may not have the chance to develop at home. By offering variety, guidance and real gardening work, the nursery helps people like Rhys continue learning in ways that feel meaningful and enjoyable.

*Rhys’ name has been changed.