Nominee Summary
Blooming Gardeners is a vital therapeutic horticultural project for adults with learning difficulties in the Scottish Highlands, which was established when a statutory-funded facility was closed suddenly in 2019. It allows vulnerable adults to do meaningful work in a supported environment, giving a degree of independence and responsibility. Having the opportunity to immerse themselves in new skills has improved self-esteem and self-worth. It also gives their carers some much-needed respite.
Overcoming Challenges
This is a small charity providing an enhanced experience for the attendees. When no longer allowed access to the site of the original garden project, from March 2020, it was a challenge to find new sites to continue to operate. Use of the former Green Wellie Garden Centre in Barbaraville was granted by the owner in October 2020 when Covid lockdown restrictions ended. With the help of the Scottish Government’s Adapt and Thrive Fund, Blooming Gardeners was also able to erect a double span polytunnel at “The Field” in Alness. Geographic location, public transport and funding have been the main challenges to overcome. This relatively deprived area, north of Inverness, has a severe shortage of projects for these vulnerable adults to attend. Driving is not an option for them, and the remote and rural communities have little or no public transport. Employees and volunteers ensure that lack of transport is not an issue, collecting attendees as required – essentially going that extra mile to make sure no one misses out. It is not publicly funded. Blooming Gardeners has a sound business model, primarily funded by the clients’ Self-directed Support Payments which pay for the three part-time horticultural trainers. Other fundraising efforts pay for plants, compost, equipment, other gardening materials and any additional expenditure.
Supporting the community
As well as supporting the attendees and their carers, Blooming Gardeners ensures that everyone is included. The wider community benefits from the flowers and vegetables produced in their gardens; their planters enhance the high street and local businesses in nearby Invergordon and Saltburn; they contribute fresh produce to the foodbank and to people making soup for distribution to the housebound elderly. Their plant sales are hugely popular throughout the community and they also hold open days for people with additional needs. Blooming Gardeners also participates in local events, such as the Royal Highland Educational Trust’s Additional Support Needs Food, Farming and Countryside Learning Events.
Ethical/environmental standards
In accordance with its constitution, Blooming Gardeners aims to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of individuals with potential exclusion issues through involvement in horticulture. It is open to all, encouraging the development of confidence and gardening knowledge to those excluded from regular employment. It works within the local area providing planters to improve the environment around the port where cruise ships dock for visits, and holds open days to sell plants, hanging baskets and planted containers, which are much enjoyed by local people. Environmentally friendly horticultural techniques are used, with the avoidance of harmful chemicals. Fruit and vegetables are grown organically. A composting toilet has been installed at the Barbaraville site, which has no mains sewage connection, to replace the chemical portaloo previously relied on. A wildflower area has been developed at Barbaraville, with native plants to support local wildlife. Following sightings of the rare small blue butterfly, an area was sown with kidney vetch, which they feed on. Blooming Gardeners operates a Fair Work policy for its employees in accordance with Scottish Government standards. Their Equal Opportunities policy seeks to ensure the avoidance of discrimination in respect of protected characteristics. Health and safety issues are taken seriously, in accordance with a written policy. Above all, the staff members (horticultural trainers) and volunteers create a joyful, friendly, supportive environment in which the gardeners thrive.
