Bullingdon Visitor Centre Garden – January 2024: Planting, Growing, and Connecting with Families
Despite the damp and dreary weather, we had an incredibly uplifting day at Bullingdon in January. We were able to engage with both children and families in the garden, planting both outdoors and inside. It was truly a heartwarming and positive way to kick off our work with families in this community.
Phil and Charlotte, our two Therapeutic Horticulturalists working at the prison met with Jacky to discuss and set four key dates for the visitor garden sessions. These dates are spaced throughout the year, covering March, April, July, and September, to ensure that we can engage with families across the changing seasons. We also took the time to discuss signage and other visual ways to encourage the use of the garden.

Outdoor and Indoor Activities: A Day of Fun and Connection
In the afternoon, families were invited to join in various activities as they waited. The outdoor activities saw children getting their hands dirty as they helped to spread woodchip in the willow dome and plant vegetables and herbs in the raised beds. A variety of plants were used, including garlic, strawberries, chives, mint, rocket, winter lettuce, sorrel, tatsoi, and cabbage. Each plant was grown in containers and clearly labelled, making them easy to identify and allowing children to learn about different types of herbs and vegetables. Different children participated at different times, with ages ranging from primary school to young teens. Phil led the group, guiding them through the planting process and encouraging their enthusiasm.
Inside, the indoor activities were introduced, which were designed to complement the outdoor session. The children decorated pots and planted hyacinth bulbs, which they could take home with them. The children clearly excited about taking their creations home! After completing their indoor activities, five of the children chose to head outside to continue planting. Charlotte led the indoor activities, making sure everyone had fun while learning.

Mulching and Hedging
After the sessions finished and all the children had left, Phil and Charlotte spent the remainder of the afternoon mulching around the hedging. They covered approximately 20 metres with cardboard and compost.
Looking Forwards
We’re really looking forward to the next session! Since we last saw it before Christmas, the garden has really settled, and we noticed that some plants have already begun to show new growth. The willow dome is particularly beautiful, and we can’t wait to see how the space continues to develop.

With thanks to Oxford Community Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting this part of our Inside Out project.