A TREASURED Easter Ross horticultural training scheme for people with additional support needs celebrated its success with the wider community.
Having fun with friends and family. Picture: Callum Mackay.
The Blooming Gardeners, based at The Green Welly garden centre in Barbaraville, also operates at a space in The Field in Alness on a number of days each week.
An open day followed up on the success of previous events and allowed members of the wider community the chance to see what happens and share the success of trainees.
It’s a solid thumbs-up. Picture: Callum Mackay.
One of the horticultural trainers, Fiona Grant, said: “The garden project allows adults with learning difficulties to experience work in horticulture.
“They are very happy to come into the garden and achieve while working alongside people and their peers in a social space. It’s a social thing and they gain terrific experience and new skills.”
Luke Stoltman, Neve Mackay and Tom Stoltman pose for a photo.Picture: Callum Mackay.
The group evolved when Lorna Valentine of The Green Welly garden centre offered space.
There are gardeners on the books from Dingwall up to Dornoch.
Picture: Callum Mackay.Grabbing a quick bite. Picture: Callum Mackay.Picture: Callum Mackay.Picture: Callum Mackay.It’s a solid thumbs-up. Picture: Callum Mackay.On the open mic. Picture: Callum Mackay.Having fun with friends and family. Picture: Callum Mackay.Having fun with friends and family. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Fiona added: “It’s very nice to see the development and we see those attending caring for and looking after each other. They also eat food that they grow themselves while some of what is produced also goes to the food bank in Alness.
“The great thing is that they are always excited to come.”
She described the open day as a chance to relax, eat food together and enjoy music and each other’s company.
The event enjoyed great support from the wider community with a visit from strongman brothers Tom and Luke Stoltman, the Fox and Friends group and the local fire brigade, amongst others.
Lidl, Morrisons and the Co-op chipped in with supplies for the day and Inverness-based Music Without Boundaries entertained.
The group also enjoys a number of days out during the year and stage a bonfire in November.
Trainees prepare planters for Saltburn and Westwood Community Council and some for the Port of Cromarty Firth which are used along Shore Street in Invergordon.
These are seen by hundreds of thousands of cruise visitors as well as grateful locals.
To find out more about the group, see https://bloominggardeners.org.uk/. The group also has a Facebook page.
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