IT’S a new way to bring people together and closer to nature at the same time.

A scheme believed to be the first of its kind in the county will allow those without a garden to help out those that do.

An Eastleigh based charity organisation has launched a garden sharing system for the borough, which will match up the elderly or disabled struggling to cope with their garden with a keen gardener looking for a plot.

The Garden Share Scheme aims to mutually benefit both parties.

Those who may live in flats and do not have access to a garden plot or allotment would be able to grow fruit and vegetables in the other person’s garden for free, provided they tend and maintain the garden.

Organisers One Community hope the idea will help solve a number of ongoing community concerns.

It took inspiration for its scheme from other similar projects in other parts of the country but believes this is the first such one in Hampshire.

One Community, in Romsey Road, which provides support to the voluntary sector, will assess people’s suitability and make the introduction between the two parties charging a small fee.

Julia Allan, head of voluntary sector support at One Community, said a major added benefit would be that when an individual goes round to do the garden they also see the elderly resident and can make sure they are all right while providing companionship at the same time.

But the organisation also believes this will allow older or disabled people to enjoy their garden without the risk of an accident trying to maintain it and a chance to potentially share some of the produce grown.

Organisers even think it could help protect residents’ security as they say well tended properties are less vulnerable to burglary.

On the other side Ms Allan said she understood that there is a seven year waiting list for an allotment in some parts of the borough and that this scheme provides a good alternative.

This comes after the Daily Echo told how Eastleigh Good Neighbours Scheme, which provides a garden service, was desperately looking for volunteer gardeners to meet a growing demand for garden maintenance from elderly residents, having lost two key team members after Christmas.

Ms Allan said: “It’s a really big issue for older people, particularly if they’re proud of their garden.

“They’re old and can’t manage it any more. It makes them feel upset.

“We’re looking at different ways of addressing it and we’re trying to do all we can.

“This addresses the issue of people being socially isolated and their health deteriorating.”

For more Information call Naomi at One Community on 023 8064 1202 or email info@1community.org.uk.