BLOOM at LEAP Allotments prepare for RHS Tatton Park Flower Show

BLOOM at LEAP are busy preparing for their exhibition at this year’s RHS Flower Show in Tatton Park.

BLOOM at LEAP is an ecotherapy wellbeing project for adults with a learning disability and / or a mental health need. It is a key project of LEAP, an established charity based in Tameside that has been transforming lives in disadvantaged communities for over 20 years.

With help from a donation from Tameside Community Champions, this year’s exhibition at Tatton Park is giving the project a chance to highlight the benefits of horticultural therapy in enhancing health and wellbeing.

The exhibition at Tatton Park will be a miniature set up of the BLOOM allotment in Hyde. The garden will also show how they use their space for growing creatively and how they incorporate calming areas for rest and reflection. Building and growing in preparation for this exhibition has enhanced team spirit, with everyone getting involved and utilising skills and abilities such as planning and design, growing, garden maintenance, woodwork, craft and cooking.  

Tameside Council Executive Member for Population Health Cllr Eleanor Wills said: ‘’This exhibition is an exciting opportunity for volunteers and staff to be creative, discover new skills and show their hard work.

‘’Not to forget, demonstrating how important getting outdoors is for mental health and wellbeing and the importance of the BLOOM at LEAP project in our communities. Well done to everyone involved in this special project.’’

Many of the materials used in the exhibition have been up-cycled and built from scratch. This includes wooden planters, a decorated wooden cart and an adapted pergola. Plants and vegetables grown have been specially selected to show everyone how easy it is to grow. The food grown will also be eaten so there is no waste and to demonstrate healthy lifestyle choices.

The show runs from the 19th July to 23rd July.

Find out more about LEAP’s work with families, children and the community at www.leapcfc.org.uk

The Tameside Community Champions play a vital role in their local communities by empowering residents and workforces with information they need to lead the way. To become a Champion or to find out more please visit www.tameside.gov.uk/communitychampions