The Growing Space
The Growing Space is a social and therapeutic gardening project that forms part of The Balsam Centre in Wincanton.
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The Centre’s gardens cater for a wide variety of needs. There are spaces and areas for quiet contemplation, socialising, playing, food production, propagation and learning.
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Whatever your age or ability, whether you’re new to gardening or an old hand, we’re sure there’ll be something here to capture your interest at The Growing Space.
You'll find details of our current activities and services below, but if we can help you or someone you care for in other ways, contact us and we’ll do our best to cater for your requirements. We offer extra support to people who need it and our qualified, experienced staff are here to help.
Volunteering
We welcome volunteers with a background in horticulture, care or education to help deliver our services and maintain the gardens. If you have no experience but are interested in volunteering, our qualified and experienced staff can provide training and guidance. Please contact us for details of our volunteer positions.
Greenhouse & Propagation Group
This group suits people recovering from mental ill health. We meet in a quiet, calm space on Wednesday afternoons in our cosy but roomy greenhouse. You can clearly identify goals, build confidence, add structure and stability to your week, and take advantage of the mood-boosting power of propagating and caring for plants. We focus on sowing seeds, taking cuttings and propagating vegetables and flowers.
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Young People & Nature
Many young people can’t attend college for a variety of reasons. We offer activities designed to help them learn the transferable work skills employers are looking for. We have lots of activities that reduce stress and anxiety and help young people overcome any barriers to learning and employment they’re experiencing, including mental ill-health.
Supported Gardening
If your confidence is lacking, you need extra help, or you’re feeling a bit isolated, you can attend one of our Tuesday or Wednesday workshops. You will get lots of support from our horticulture workers. The gardening choices and range of activities are many, boosting your confidence and motivation as you begin to see the results of your work.
The Compost Crew
Help us make the compost and leafmould that feeds all the flower and vegetable gardens around the Balsam Centre. We also do other weeding, pruning, and landscaping tasks. This is an active, all-weather group: nothing puts us off – bring waterproofs and wellies!
Get out and into nature, get fit, feel healthier!
Flowers
Join our cut flower workshops and learn to grow and cut a wide range of flowers. The workshops enable people of all ages to share good times while growing and arranging flowers and bouquets. Choose and cut your own flowers straight from the gardens.
Growing Space timetable
You don’t have to get involved in an activity. You're welcome to visit the gardens any day to sit and relax, use them as a meeting place or get inspired! Ask for advice and guidance, or use our resources room.
Monday
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Ecotherapy and Woodland Activities at Ham Hill
Tuesday: People, Plants & Pollinators
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Wildlife Gardening Volunteers 10am – 1.30pm
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The Compost Crew 1.30pm – 4pm
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Supported Gardening Workshops 10am – 4pm
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Cut Flower Workshops (Summer) times TBA
Wednesday: People, Plants & Produce
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Supported Gardening Workshops 10am – 4pm
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Young People & Nature 10.30am – 3.30pm
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Greenhouse & Propagation Group 1.30pm – 4pm
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Market Gardening Volunteers 10am – 4pm
