🌿🌼🌹 'National Gardening Week', 30th April -5th May

"The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies."

Gertrude Jekyll

INTRODUCTIONS

This week's 'Friendship Group' cognitive stimulation therapy session focuses on 'The Garden' and all things in it, because April was 'National Gardening Month' and 30th April - 5th May is 'National Gardening Week'.

To facilitate and illustrate the session, we printed off some images of gardeners and gardens (and related things) for the tables and when we came to a discussion point including the person, place or thing asked members to locate the image and hold it up. We included some local parks that members would recognise.

We continued the discussion by asking members if they like gardening or if they have a favourite flower, herb or shrub.

We asked members who would say they 'have green fingers'? We discussed the meaning of this phrase.

We asked if any members had an allotment, shed or pond?

We put up on the white board things people like or dislike about the garden ...

- Likes included: Flowers, fragrances, smell of garden fire, smell of freshly cut lawn, birds, butterflies, bees and produce for eating.

- Dislikes included: Hayfever, wasps, weeds, slugs, spiders, having to mow the lawn, having to water the garden and digging beds.

We asked which are members favourite local parks and gardens?

SOPHIA GARDENS, BUTE PARK, THOMSON PARK, VICTORIA PARK, ROATH PARK, CEFN ONN PARK, COSMESTON LAKES all featured ...

There are also some fantastic national gardens to visit ...

Has anyone visited:

'Eden' in Cornwall (they are creating an 'Eden 2' in Morecombe)

'Lost Gardens Of Heligan', also in Cornwall

'National Botanical Gardens of Wales'

'Tresco Abbey Gardens' in the Scilly Isles

'Kew Gardens' in London

'Kensington Gardens' in London (William & Kate live next door)

PROVERBS AND IDIOMS

We asked members to complete the following phrases ...

- A bird in the hand is worth two in the BUSH (having something of even lesser value is better than taking the chance of losing it in the process of trying to achieve something more desirable)

- A rolling stone gathers no MOSS (a person who does not settle in one place will not accumulate wealth or status, or responsibilities or commitments)

- The grass is always greener on the other SIDE (the things other people have or their situations always look better than your own, even when they are not really so)

- The early bird catches the WORM (one who arrives first has the best chance for success)

- The apple doesn't fall far from the TREE (a child usually has a similar character or qualities to his or her parents)

- You reap what you SOW (you eventually have to face up to the consequences of your actions)

- People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw STONES (you shouldn't criticise other people for bad qualities in their character that you may have yourself)

- Oops-a-DAISY (expression of encouragement to a child who has fallen or is being lifted)

- A late BLOOMER (a person whose talents or capabilities are not visible to others until later than usual)

- A needle in the HAYSTACK (something that is extremely difficult to find because the area you have to search is too large)

- A shrinking VIOLET (an exaggeratedly shy person)

- Snake in the GRASS (a person who is treacherous or deceitful)

- As fresh as a DAISY (healthy and full of energy)

- Out of the WOODS (out of danger or difficulty, or being thrown a lifeline)

- To come up smelling of ROSES (emerge from a difficult situation with one's reputation in tact)

- To hold out an olive BRANCH (do or say something to show you want to end a disagreement with someone)

- To let something go to SEED (a person or thing which is past it's prime and no longer full of life)

- To nip something in the BUD (suppress or destroy something at an early stage)

- To let the grass grow under your FEET (to delay in taking action or an opportunity and risk losing it)

- To lead somebody up the garden PATH (to mislead, deceive, hoodwink or seduce somebody)

- To beat about the BUSH (avoid talking about a difficult or embarrassing situation or subject)

- Green FINGERED (a good gardener)

Round 1. Garden Birds

Name the following garden birds?

Say the following magpie rhyme together ...

Here's the TV song link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vzJwi7Ws8s

Here is a video of a murmuration - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0sE10zUYyY

SINGALONG LYRIC VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rifby1tVE8

Round 2. In The Garden

	​In which garden were Adam and Eve seduced into eating the forbidden fruit by the serpent? What was the 'forbidden fruit'?
	​Who is the Patron Saint of Gardens, known as 'The Little Flower'?
	​On which device would you tell the time in a garden? Which common or garden weed provides another 'clock'?
	​Trees that shed their leaves each year are called what? Trees that keep their leaves all year are?
	​What does the term 'perennial' mean?
	​What liquid does a flower produce which attracts bees and butterflies? What do bees make with it?
	​How do you tell the age of a tree?
	​What is the Japanese art of propagating miniature trees called?
	​What is the art of clipping trees and hedges into ornamental forms called?
	​If you wanted to buy a bunch of flowers for a loved one, which shop would you visit? What is the name given to the floral foam they use to make flower arrangements?

Round 3. Name these creatures that you might find in the garden?

Thumbs up or down. Which would you be pleased to see?

Say this rhyme together ...

SONG. 'In An English Country Garden', by Jimmie Rodgers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUyxCP5Rvco

Think of some occasions on which you would give flowers?

Round 4. Flowers & Weeds

	​What are the flowers of the four nations?
	​If you get stung by nettles, which plant's leaves should you rub your skin with to soothe it?
	​How tall can a Sunflower grow?
	​What spice comes from the Crocus?
	Name this weed? Is there any truth in the saying that if you smell them they make you want to wee?
	​How many varieties of Rose are there? a. Over 10,000 b. Over 20,000 c. Over 30,000 What sweet does rose water flavour?
	​What shrub is known as 'The Butterfly Bush'?
	​Which kitchen item does this flower give its name to?
	Name this garden flower & what is it associated with?
	Name this garden flower? What did we used to do with them as children?

Anyone recognise this flower? It’s out of this world.

SONG. 'Flowers In The Rain', The Move - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_laosNxqzNg Hippies were associated with which peace movement in the 1960s? FACTOID. This song was the first ever played on Radio 1 on 30th September 1967. The DJ was Tony Blackburn.

Round 5. Name These 'Flowery' People

	​​Name this singer and the flower she always wore in her hair?
	​Who was the first lead presenter of the TV series 'Gardeners World'?
	​Who is this celebrity & which flowers did she always hand out to her audience?
	Who was the main presenter of the BBC gardening show 'Ground Force'?
	​Name the TV comedy series and the character/actor's names?
	​Name this actor and his TV detective series?
	​Name this TV comedienne and her alter ego?
	Which Goodie had a garden name? Who are the others?
	Name the TV series? Which character was named after a herb?
	Name the TV series? Which character was named after a flower?

Round 6. Name these 'flowery' TV shows

Name the 'flower pot men' and their friend? TV theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIzh3mKMUp8

What was the TV show called and what were the character's names? TV theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUdbZ9QY5VU

What was the TV show called and what was the name of the "very friendly lion"? Song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWJjcT7Uipo

Name the TV show and the characters? TV theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llHk6Ue52-0

Name the TV show and the characters and actors? TV theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT-CLEsNR08

Name the TV sitcom about giving on 'The Rat Race' and becoming self sufficient?

Name the characters and actors? TV theme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_ysdEPflIc

SONG. 'The Wombling Song', The Wombles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWQMMPFtoG4

Where did they live and what were they concerned about?

Round 7. Herbs & Spices

	​What herb sauce is often served with fish?
	​What herb is used to make Pesto Sauce? & what nut is also used?
	​Which herb is often used as a savoury bread topping in Italian cookery?
	​Which herb is often used in pickling cucumbers?
	​Which herb sauce is often served with roast lamb?
	​Which sauce is often served with roast beef?
	​What is the main herb ingredient in Paxo stuffing?
	​Which health benefit is Lavender said to have?
	​Which spice gives us oil that can ease toothache?
	​What is the main herb used in the Pastis drink Pernod?

& Name these other herbs and spices?

You might smoke this?

You might roast potatoes with this?

You might put one of these leaves in a stew to flavour it?

You might have this in a salad?

You might make dishes more 'hot' with this?

You might find this in a curry?

Americans call this cilantro?

You might have grown these two herbs in school?

This spice is often used in Chinese cooking?

Round 8. Final Songs (Take your pick)

SONG. 'Scarborough Fair', Simon & Garfunkel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ccgk8PXz64

In which English county would you find Scarborough?

SONG. 'Love Is Like A Butterfly', Dolly Parton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvh5WelBcAg Who starred in the hit UK TV sitcom 'Butterflies'? Name some common butterflies?

SONG. 'Annie's Song', John Denver - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhJjH7UIAcU

Name some trees:

SONG. 'All Kinds Of Everything', Dana - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvLPw530qoE

Who is looking forward to the 'Eurovision Song Contest' on 13th May?

Where is it being broadcast from this year?

SONG. 'San Francisco', Scott McKenzie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaPy1JBlxcI What is the famous red bridge which crosses San Francisco Bay?

How about the infamous island prison there?

SONG. 'I Never Promised You A Rose Garden', Lynn Anderson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0VTAvYg98E

Make a list of spring, summer, autumn and winter flowers

SONG. 'Build Me Up Buttercup', The Foundations - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSofzQURQDk What does a buttercup tell a person about another?

Which margarine famously is made from sunflower oil?

SONG. 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon 'Round The Old Oak Tree', Dawn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-RlLFxgCkk From which seed does an oak tree grow?

What signifies dawn?

SONG. 'Take Me Home Country Roads', John Denver - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTeUdJky9rY

Ask members to say where they grew up? Where is home now?

Where in the song is 'almost heaven'?

SONG, 'Green Green Grass Of Home - Tom Jones - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYjBpgz2lus Does anyone in the group suffer with hayfever? What is it that is produced by a flower, grass or tree that makes you sneeze? What tablet might you take to help you stop sneezing?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES

Planting seeds - cress and mustard. For making egg sandwiches in a later session.

- sunflowers

To see whose can grow tallest. Planting tomato plants - or similar. Having produce to taste is a great reward for your efforts. Pressing flowers An alternative to layering and pressurising flowers (the traditional method) is to bang flowers between blotting paper on the floor with a rolling pin. The colour discharges and remains on the paper, making instant prints. Arranging flowers Bring a few bunches of flowers and a couple of vases and have members arrange the flowers as they wish. Use some oasis for a more artistic effort.

RELAXATION

A nice mindfulness activity to use with the 'Greensleeves' classical music track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSjfkwvOOAM is to hand each member a flower to look closely at and observe in fine detail - look, colour, texture, smell, memories it brings to mind etc. (Caution. Just be aware that some clients with more advanced dementia may have hyperorality as a symptom and be at risk of putting flowers into their mouths. If there is any concern regarding this maybe don't use this activity, or use edible plants!) Painting flowers. As an alternative to flower arranging, ask members if any of them would prefer to have a go at painting the flowers. Display products with pride. Smells box. In the 'Resources' page, there is a link to a reminiscence smells box which provides a great activity. Many of the smells are floral. Fresh herbs and fruit smell and taste session. Try: - Tomatoes with basil and chives - Cucumber with dill and vinegar - Strawberries with mint and sugar - Apples with honey and yoghurt. Maybe with a glass of Dandelion and Burdock pop as a refreshment and another reminiscence opportunity. (Cautions. Be aware of any allergies. And any swallow concerns.)

ANSWERS

Blackbird, Wren, Robin

Bluebird, Song thrush, Wood pigeon

Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch

Jay, Woodpecker, Magpie

Garden Of Eden / Apple

St Theresa Of Lisieux

Sundial / Dandelion

Deciduous / Evergreen

Flowers each year

Nectar / Honey

Count its rings

Bonsai

Topiary

Florist / Oasis

Hedgehog, Ladybird, Snail

Squirrel, Mole, Bumble bee

Fox, Rat, Peacock butterfly

Badger, Wasp, Ants

Rabbit, Dragonfly, Mouse

Wedding bouquet (ask members to describe theirs, if appropriate) (The person who catches the bouquet is next in line to marry, apparently!)

Valentine's Day ("Roses are red, Violets are blue, Sugar is sweet, And so are you!")

Mother's Day

Birthdays

‎Remembrance Sunday (poppies)

Christmas wreath (holly and ivy)

‎Funeral floral tributes

Wales - daffodil

Scotland - thistle

England - red rose

Ireland - shamrock

Dock leaves

14 feet

Saffron

Dandelion / Dandelion leaves are a diuretic, so you'd have to eat them rather than smell the flower

Over 30,000 / Turkish delight

Buddleia

Marigold Kitchen Gloves

Forget me not / associated with reminiscence & the logo of the Alzheimer's Society

Snapdragon / We'd squeeze the head to open the mouth

Triffid

Flower Power (Anti Vietnam War) / Campaign For Nuclear Disarmament

Billie Holiday / Gardenia

Percy Thrower

Dame Edna Average (Barry Humphries) / Gladioli

Alan Titchmarsh

'Keeping Up Appearances' / Hyacinth Bucket (Patricia Routledge)

John Nettles (D.I. John Barnaby) / 'Midsomer Murders'

Lily Savage / Paul O'Grady

Graeme Garden / Bill Oddie & Tim Brooke-Taylor

'Fawlty Towers' / Basil Fawlty (and Manuel - from Barcelona)

'Golden Girls' / Rose Nyland, Dorothy Zbornak, Blanche Devereux & Sophia Petrillo

'Bill & Ben' (And 'Little Weed')

'The Magic Roundabout' / Ermintrude (Cow), Florence (Girl), Dylan (Rabbit), Dougal (Dog), Brian (Snail) & Zebedee (Spring)

'The Herbs' / Parsley

'Hector's House' / Zaza & Mrs Kiki

'Worzel Gummidge' / Jon Pertwee & Una Stubbs

'The Good Life' / Tom & Barbara Good and Jerry & Margot Leadbetter

Parsley

Basil / Pine nuts

Garlic

Dill

Mint

Horseradish

Sage

Aids sleep

Clove

Fennel

Cannabis, Rosemary, Bay leaves

Chives, Chilli, Cardamom

Coriander, Mustard & Cress, Star anise

North Yorkshire

Wendy Craig

Red Admiral, Monarch, Cabbage White, Common Blue, Peacock

Deciduous - oak, maple, birch, ash, willow, poplar, beech, chestnut, sycamore

Evergreen - pine, spruce, cedar, bay, eucalyptus, olive

Liverpool

Golden Gate Bridge / Alcatraz

Spring flowers - crocus, tulip, daffodil, primrose, bluebell

Summer flowers - rose, geranium, hydrangea, sunflower

Autumn flowers - dahlia, begonia, gladioli, chrysanthemum

Winter flowers - poinsettia, pansies, snowdrop

Weeds - Dandelion, stinging nettles, daisies, ivy

If the person likes butter, a buttercup will glow brightly under their chin / 'Flora'

Acorn / Dawn chorus, milk float, sunrise, traffic

West Virginia

Pollen / Antihistamine