Petrus to showcase their inspiring garden at famous flower show
Petrus Community, a Rochdale-based homelessness charity, has a double back to back garden at this year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show Tatton Park.
The garden was designed by a team from Petrus Incredible Edibles Rochdale (PIER) who wanted the garden to reflect a service user’s journey through life with Petrus. Service users drew on their past experiences and it is hoped the garden will challenge negative stereotypes associated with homelessness.
The charity worked closely with its staff, volunteers and service users to perfect its application after gaining recognition for its project work by the RHS.
PIER is a community garden in Rochdale which aims to get service users out of negative routines through improved health and wellbeing, developing social relationships and improved mental health.
Rachael Bennion, Petrus Engagement and Development Worker said: “This means so much to our volunteers and service users. Gardening is fantastic for their mental health and wellbeing, and Tatton Park has given them the opportunity to show the skills that they’ve developed and what they’re capable of achieving.
“We’re hoping that people will come and visit our garden and feel inspired by the work that Petrus does for homelessness, and to see what people can be capable of if the correct support is in place.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to our sponsors: The Guinness Partnership, M&Y Maintenance and Construction, Rochdale Rotary Club and Rochdale Borough Council Their support has been outstanding. We'd also like to thank The Regenda Group for their continuous support, we've enjoyed working together on such an exciting project”.
Sponsors donated funds to PIER for the garden, which include features, plants and pre-fabrication work.
Andy Carberry, Director of Care and Support at Regenda Homes, said: “The Tatton Park flower show is a great opportunity to showcase PIER and the fantastic work they do. We really appreciate the sponsors’ support who have helped to make this a reality”.
The RHS Flower Show Tatton Park takes place between 17 and 21 July 2019. Find out more www.petrus.org.uk/tatton