NO matter what level of skill we might have as a gardener – from total novice to seasoned practitioner – most of us feel better when we’re outside trimming, planting or digging.

And Herefordshire’s Growing Point, based at the Holme Lacy Campus of Hereford and Ludlow College, seeks to plant those seeds of wellbeing into the lives of many people who have limited opportunity to enjoy a garden or perhaps even exercise much freedom in the choices they make in everyday life.

The positive benefits of gardening have long been understood and the Growing Point blossomed out the establishment of gardening sessions for people with learning disabilities back in 1990 at Holme Lacy College – now the Holme Lacy Campus of Hereford and Ludlow College.

That provision led to what is now a registered charity and a large, accessible site containing beds adapted for different height requirements as well as specially adapted tools.

"Every gardener gets something different - it's about the freedom to be creative and get your fingers in the soil, but it's also about the social aspect as well," said tutor Wendy Lane.

She explained how researchers from Bristol University and University College London discovered using laboratory mice, that a "friendly" bacteria (Mycobacterium Vaccae) commonly found in soil activated brain cells to produce the brain chemical serotonin and altered the mice's behaviour in a similar way to antidepressants.

The effect is a feeling of well-being and of course a sense of deep purpose for the groups using the site - from teenagers to the elderly.

Many of the older users would normally be excluded from gardening activity and a rich dimension to their lives without the opportunity to use beds adapted for their needs.

They are able to plant and create gardens independently and enjoy a sense of fulfilment thanks to the charity.

Elliot Evans enjoys his Tuesday sessions at the Growing Point.

He comes to every session equipped with hammer,hacksaw and drill.

"If there's a loose screw or wobbly post. Elliot will fix it, he's a real handyman." said Julian Reeves the courses coordinator Elliot added: "I have lots of ideas for the garden, it would be great to start a maintenance fund so we can repair and improve areas."

He's no stranger to fundraising, in 2014 he completed a 14,000ft Tandem skydive for Midlands Air Ambulance raising £1270.00.

He's also a keen fundraiser for Riding for the Disabled.

Like many of the people who use the Growing Point, Elliot gets the opportunity to plan and carry out his ideas practically, and enjoy the therapeutic aspect of being out in the open.

Chairwoman of Growing Point Laura Hone said she's grateful for the support of businesses and organisations in the county.

"We're very luck to get help from across the county for materials and equipment," she said.

"We also get a great deal of support from Hereford's mayor Councillor Jim Kenyon, he's very interested in what we do."

So prolific is the growing that some of the produce is beginning to be sold one or two village shops and their are plans to do even more. And every year the gardeners work towards an autumn show on site which showcases their creations.

The last word goes to Wendy Lane: "People who get little chance to make decisions in everyday life get the chance to do that here."