Chestnut Nursery, Poole’s ‘plant paradise’ for shoppers, is celebrating a phenomenal 150% rise in salessince the site was transformed by a state-of-the-art redevelopment in 2019.
‘The little garden centre with a big heart’, run by the charity Plants and Minds, supports adults experiencing severe and enduring mental health conditions. Over the past six years, the number of people on Chestnut’s horticultural therapy programme who have progressed into paid work has increased by 300%.
Widely acclaimed for its outstanding range of top-quality plants, inspirational displays and expert horticultural advice, Chestnut offers more than 50 voluntary work placements to its service users, known as Team Members. People who suffer with mental illness are supported in a caring, pressure-free, professional work environment.
Chestnut Nursery first took root at the old Poole Council nursery next to Poole Park in 2001. The site benefitted from a major redevelopment in 2019 and record figures released today demonstrate the life-changing impact of this ambitious horticultural project.
Re-opened in June 2019, the transformation, with help from many local companies, saw the creation of an iconic, flagship 200 square metre store clad in gabion cages of Purbeck stone and powered by renewable energy technology – along with more than 740 square metres of retail area and nursery.
Sowing the seeds of success
Andy Verreck, Nursery Manager at Chestnut, said the new facilities had transformed the future of a project that was previously financially unviable.
Andy said: “None of this would have been possible without our supporters, who range from large charitable trusts to individual donors, business and suppliers, as well as the many support services that refer people to us. A huge thank you to our many customers, both trade and retail: their loyalty has ensured the continued success of the nursery.”
However, Andy pointed out that ongoing support remains vital, because Chestnut is facing rising overhead costs, while its sister nursery, Cherry Tree in Bournemouth, needs investment in infrastructure and new facilities.
He added: “The redevelopment has enabled Chestnut to support our Team Members by delivering first-class training in professional horticulture and providing retail experience, while breaking down social isolation and engaging in a meaningful way with the wider community. The incredible achievements announced today are a direct result of our Team Members gaining valuable work experience and confidence at the nursery.
“The benefits of therapeutic horticulture are vast, from meaningful occupation to keeping individuals out of intensive mental health care. We’ve witnessed complete rehabilitation and subsequent progression into paid employment – a fantastic achievement!” Andy explained.
To mark the six-year anniversary of new store opening, the Charity is holding a special thank you event on Monday 7 July. People across multiple sectors have been invited to the closed event where the Charity will showcase its flagship operation.
No judgement, just support
Ahead of the event, Team Members praised the safe haven provided by Chestnut, citing the project’s ability to break isolation, create new social circles, work with plants, provide structure to the day and develop new skills in a friendly, safe environment.
One Team Member said: “If I didn’t have Chestnut I would not be where I am mentally. The nursery gives me routine, structure and an opportunity to gain qualifications for paid work. I would not be alive if I was not here.”
Another said: “At first, Chestnut was the only place I could manage to go to outside my house. The nursery is a restorative, tranquil oasis which soothes nerves, provides comfort and is a place for conversation with lovely people. It has done me so much good.”
A third summed-up: “When I was at home every day, I was lonely, bored and my attitude was negative. Attending Chestnut gave me a reason to get out of bed. I now have a place to go to which supports my mental health and gives structure to my week. If you are having a bad day there’s no judgement, just support. I’ve been given the chance to rebuild my life”.
Team Members are referred to Chestnut via services including Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT), Steps 2 Wellbeing, Access Wellbeing Hubs and GPs. During 2024, a total of 25 referrals were received, 22 of which were accepted.
