Find out a little bit more about us

Our Story.

Feel Good Gardening.

The seed of Bloom was planted all the way back in 2019, when Kendall found herself with an overgrown allotment, a need for solace, and the beginnings of some very big dreams. 

Despite broken buildings and weeds taller than she was, digging, growing and caring for her plants gave Kendall the peace and comfort she’d been seeking during a difficult time. And it was this, plus the green thumb she’d inherited from her dad and grandad, that inspired her to set up Bloom – a community space where women and non-binary people could find the same respite in gardening that she had. 

Since then, the initiative has grown to welcome over 50 volunteers, 7 staff, and 40 members a week across three thriving gardens. 

And there’s plenty more growing still to do.  

It’s a fact: gardening is good for you. The mental and physical health benefits of planting and pottering have been well-documented, and we see the impact in our volunteers and team members every single day. 

Gardening:

  • Encourages friendships through positive, productive teamwork 

  • Reduces symptoms of stress, fatigue and anxiety 

  • Increases feelings of community, purpose and belonging 

  • Builds confidence and self-esteem

  • Gives people feelings of pride, achievement and satisfaction

  • Builds energy, strength, stamina and resilience

  • Connects people with nature 

  • Gives people a sense of hope and optimism 

  • And so much more!

How We Have Helped.

“It’s so warm and friendly. If I could bottle it up and sell it - I would! Can’t emphasise enough how safe and reassuring it feels.”

— Gardening To Feel Good attendee

“I got so much out of the gardening group and didn’t want it to end. It gave me something nice to look forward to each week. Bloom felt like a tonic after going through a difficult time recently. ”

— Gardening To Feel Good attendee

Meet the team.

Meet the people who’ve helped Bloom grow and blossom from the ground up. Want to find out more? You can get to know us even better over at our blog.

Discover Our Gardens.

  • The Original Bloom Garden

    This is where it all started. A small allotment plot in the heart of Heeley. This is where our gardening groups take place and where we grow flowers for our community to enjoy.

  • Our newest community space

    Big by name and big by nature! We’ve recently become stewards of a huge community garden at Heeley & Meersbrook Allotments, which is home to an orchard, woodland and a growing space. We’re currently developing the garden, so why not come along and help out?

  • Our busy production garden

    This is where we grow all of the flowers that end up in our beautiful bunches. This garden isn’t open to the public, but instead is cared for by our amazing, dedicated team of volunteers.

  • We have a section of this historic walled garden where we are growing rows and rows of flowers and shrubs to use in our bouquets. We started working up at Wortley in summer 2023 and we already have lots in the ground.