Hull women get things growing

The people behind the plants at Stonham's Hull Women’s Service share their experiences.

Service Manager Laura Robinson said: “Chelsea Flower Show fever has swept through the residents and staff of our project. There’s a real buzz about the place and everyone is excited about playing a part in the Places for Change garden.

“It’s great to see the enthusiasm shown and the hard work being put in. We’ve done the designing and now we’re growing the plants and flowers.”

Amy, 17, has been a client for a year, she said: “When starting this project, I couldn’t believe how much fun it could be to be involved with a team and build something so beautiful for the Chelsea Flower Show. It’s great to think of how proud I will be once our hard work and effort pays off. I’m learning new skills and building a hobby of gardening. It will be brilliant to see how this project will look when it comes to an end. It’s exciting to see how our garden will look and think, wow, I helped build this. It has been great to have the opportunity to be part of a huge team that doesn’t care about your age or background, just as long as you have fun.”

Nadine, 23, has been with the service since January. She said: “The Eden Project has given young people in my situation a fantastic opportunity to get involved in something as positive and rewarding as the Chelsea Flower Show. It gives me a real sense of pride to think that my designs are going to be shown at Chelsea. I think it will be a huge confidence boost to see everything we have designed and grown actually come together to create a garden that we can all be proud of. This is a brilliant way to get vulnerable people into something they wouldn’t normally do. I can’t wait to get my hands dirty at Chelsea in May!”

Karen said: “Miracle growth, that’s what the Chelsea Flower Show means to me. An opportunity I never dreamed could happen. I am so proud to be part of the show. I feel as though I am growing with the plants.”

Project Worker, Sue, who is leading the service’s contribution to the garden, said: “It’s fantastic that I have been lucky enough to have been given the chance to see the talent, creativeness and spirit that is evident in the work our clients are doing.

“It just goes to show that with opportunities available what clients have been capable of and I feel that this could be a stepping stone and catalyst for their and also our future development as there has already been evidence of growth in self esteem and confidence.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped and supported us so far.”

Cassandra who is a former client but wanted to get involved in the project said: “The simple but nurturing effect of us working together in this garden has brought us closer to nature and each other in a beautifully harmonious way. The bulbs and flowers have become our babies and we tend to them lovingly.

“The richness of the colours create tender feelings and the fragrances take us back into our past. It’s a hard task but extremely rewarding. We get mud under our fingernails but we’re united in making this project go as well as possible.”