A collaboration between a designer and the Winchester and Eastleigh Diabetes UK Support Group is being showcased at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair in May.
This initiative is an exciting opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes support for our local Diabetes UK group, who have been supporting people living with diabetes across Winchester, Eastleigh, and the Test and Meon Valleys for the past eight years.
At the heart of this idea is the Living Well Garden, a unique collaboration between designer Katy Pomeroy and the Winchester and Eastleigh Diabetes UK Support Group, showcasing at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at Beaulieu from 2 - 4 May 2025.
The Living Well Garden is where the beauty of ornamental planting meets the practical benefits of homegrown vegetables. Designed by Katy Pomeroy of Pomeroy Garden Design and West Hants Community Diabetes Service, the garden creates a powerful narrative around managing diabetes through food, activity, rest, and mindfulness.
This year’s Beautiful Border theme, “Connections,” invites gardeners to explore how even the smallest green space can nurture wellbeing and foster meaningful bonds.
When Katy proposed this exciting, if financially daunting, idea of creating a Beautiful Border for the Spring Fair, our group embraced the challenge.
Thanks to incredible support from volunteers, Hampshire County Council, a generous garden opening, and a grant from BBC Gardeners’ World, the dream became a reality.
The garden speaks directly to the rise in type 2 diabetes in Hampshire, up by a third since the pandemic, with over 105,000 adults now living with the condition.
Through the Living Well Garden, Katy and the Winchester and Eastleigh Group hope to raise awareness, offer encouragement, and spark conversations with visitors who may be affected by diabetes or at risk.
We hope you will come and explore the garden and connect with our volunteers. Whether you’re living with diabetes or simply curious about how gardening can support a healthy lifestyle, we’d love to chat.
