A Second Chance

Not far from me, in the small historic town of Cranbrook, I recently discovered a shop selling houseplants. But The Glasshouse isn't really just about plants.

It’s a social enterprise that helps women in prison learn new skills and build confidence as they prepare for life after prison. Through horticultural training, work experience and paid employment, they have an opportunity to develop practical skills that can help them build a different future.

The plants are nurtured and grown by women in prison before being sold through the shop, online and to businesses. The shop also gives women an opportunity to gain experience working outside the prison environment as they prepare for release.

I then discovered another local connection to the story.

Last year, The Glasshouse had its own garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, designed by award-winning garden designer Jo Thompson, who happens to live close to me in Ticehurst.

Jo spent time with women taking part in the programme before designing the garden. Their conversations helped shape a beautiful sensory space filled with rich planting, fragrance, water and places to sit and gather. The garden was created around the idea of second chances and the sense of hope and self-belief that the project aims to nurture.

The garden went on to win a Gold Medal and was relocated to HMP Downview.

When a woman graduates from the programme, she is invited to choose a plant to take with her into her new home—a living reminder of her time at The Glasshouse and of a new beginning.

I love discovering projects like this, particularly when they're happening almost on my doorstep.

You may be curious to follow this link: https://www.theglasshouse.co.uk/ to find out more.

I also found this short video about the project and the award-winning garden very moving to watch https://vimeo.com/1111931787?fl=pl&fe=vl

Gabrielle

We Grow Together

Nature • Colour • Creativity • Connection • Personal & Spiritual Growth