Growing together: Uni students dig deep to tackle Apsley House garden

The vegetable beds at Apsley House are ready for planting

What difference can an afternoon make?

At Hft’s Apsley House, it sparked a garden transformation and brought people together in a way that will last far beyond summer.

Students from the University of Bristol rolled up their sleeves and grabbed their trowels to help get the gardens at the residential service ready for summer.

Laura and Abby from the university’s Matrix Society spent an afternoon weeding the raised vegetable beds, helping to prepare the ground so that the learning disabled people who live in Apsley House can shape, enjoy and make their own.

The visit marked the second time the university’s mathematics society has supported Hft, a budding partnership built on shared experiences and community spirit.

The group also organised a bingo night, raising £50 for the charity.

The gardening session was made even more special by Adrian, who lives at Apsley House and loves spending time outdoors.

Adrian joined Laura and Abby in the garden, not just helping to prepare the beds, but sharing stories, laughter and ideas for what could grow there next.

“I like getting involved in projects happening to improve my home,” said Adrian.

“It was lovely working outdoors with Abby and Laura.”

Abby, the society’s secretary, and Laura, its treasurer, said: “We had a brilliant afternoon.

“We really enjoyed the gardening and getting to know Adrian.

“He worked alongside us as we weeded the raised beds, getting everything ready for planting.

“The people who live at Apsley House are still deciding what vegetables they’d like to grow and we can’t wait to see what they choose.”

Moments like these are about more than beating the weeds – although that’s important!

They’re about connection, choice and enabling people to show their pride in their own garden.

After their hard work, the group rounded off the afternoon in the best possible way – enjoying tea and cake together with Apsley House Service Manager Bex, ably hosted by Adrian.

Hft Community Fundraising Officer Lizzie Carlyle said: “It was wonderful meeting Laura and Abby from Bristol Matrix Society and spending time with the people we support.

“We loved chatting about their university experience and sharing more about Hft’s work across Bristol.

“Days like this show how small acts of volunteering can make a big difference and we’re really excited to be working with them again.”