Dylan Cheshire is responsible for the incredible grounds that InFocus sits on. In this sit down interview he tells us about the gardens and how he chooses the plants.
Hi Dylan, what do you do at InFocus?
I am the land manager responsible for all the landscaping and planting on site. We are continually developing and improving the spaces to make a quiet, peaceful environment that is home to many people who live and study here.
What makes a good garden?
There needs to be lots of interesting things. There are 14 acres at InFocus and I plant lots of things that stimulate the senses, encourage biodiversity, act as a classroom or simply provide an environment that people can relax in.
How do you choose the plants at InFocus?
It depends on what we are wanting to achieve but generally we will plant in big blocks with contasting colours. We will also use plants such as rustling grasses, bright buddleias, tasty herbs as well as plants that are satisfying to touch too.
What do the grounds at InFocus need to do?
The grounds have many purposes, we have our vegetable garden with accessible beds to grow courgettes, beans, peas and tomatoes etc. The students grow the food then pick them to use in cookery classes, really highlighting the food cycle.
They are a classroom- quite literally. Some of our classes move outside in the summer months but we also have a forest school and a discovery garden.
They are a place to exercise and strengthen mobility, a place to practice vital skills such as cane skills, a place to socialise with friends, relax and enjoy and they are designed to be as easy to navigate as possible.
What are your best gardening tips?
Enjoy it, it is fantastic to watch the young people at InFocus interact with nature and get the benefits from being outside. Gardening can be hard work but the reward is more than worth it.