In partnership with Glasgow City Council, Land Environment Services and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Sacro are delivering the Garden Project in Bellahouston Demonstration Gardens and Tollcross Park.
The Garden Project is delivered in three steps which are designed to ease individuals into a routine and gradually build confidence and skills. These steps introduce structure and motivation. Participants are supported and mentored by Sacro staff throughout.
STEP 1 “GRASS ROOTS”
Participants will learn simple garden tasks and maintenance, including digging, planting and clearing. For many this will be the spark to ignite an interest in gardening and horticulture. They will be encouraged to develop listening skills and supported to process directions. The introduction of this daily structure encourages self-discipline, self-worth, team work and motivation. Participants are guided by Sacro staff to take responsibility for tasks and co-operate with others to achieve goals.
STEP 2 “UP THE ROAD”
This step allows individuals to experience more specific skills such as growing plants from seed and cuttings. Participants who have progressed to this stage will be learning teamwork and patience.
STEP 3 “POSITIVE DESTINATION”
The final step is achieving the individual’s goal. This could be moving onto an apprenticeship or job opportunity, to release an addiction, desistance from offending, improved personal relationships or just an anchor in an otherwise turbulent life.
The Garden Project offers adults a gardening pathway to social inclusion and employment
The RCHS Grow and Learn Award
Participants can choose to take part in the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society’s ‘Grow and Learn Award’ which is an entry-level, all-ability practical skills learning journey through the basics of plant knowledge and garden maintenance.
The award is delivered by Sacro’s educational gardeners, who guide participants through weekly practical activities and online learning. Teamwork, focus and determination to succeed are strongly encouraged. Participants are mentored to make healthy and permanent lifestyle changes for their own long-term wellbeing.
Skills and knowledge include: plant identification, plant propagation by seed sowing and cuttings, garden tool maintenance and safety, understanding soil types and compost production, fruit and veg. harvesting and organic, wildlife-friendly growing methods.
Learning how to take semi-ripe cuttings.
After completing their portfolio, attendees can continue to use their gardening skills for themselves and/or may want to consider further learning or jobs in the horticulture industry.
So what is horticulture?
It’s the business, science and even the art of plants! It’s both garden management and design but also refers to larger-scale commercial production of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants. Today more and more emphasis is being put on sustainable methods of growing to keep our planet and ourselves healthy.
Horticulture is a very wide field of employment! Examples of horticulture jobs this award could lead into include: a soft landscaper, nursery worker or farm hand.
For more information, please contact:
info@sacro.org.uk
077 1754 8730
