Making Life Beautiful is more than just a garden nursery; it's a community-driven initiative with a mission to enrich lives and cultivate connections. Estabilished in November 2016 as a Community Interest Company, Making Life Beautiful was founded by Isobel Barnes, a retired social worker with over 40 years experience. With a passion for helping those most in need, Isobel has dedicated her life to nurturing gardens and individuals alike.
Our Mission
At Making Life Beautiful, we believe in the transformative power of gardening. Our working nursery offers a wide variety of plants, including perennials, annuals, shrubs, herbs, bedding, bulbs and more. But beyond providing beautiful greenery, we are a place where vulnerable individuals find solace, companionship and purpose.
Community Collaboration
Our nursery is a melting pot of diversity, where vulnerable members of the community, including those facing isolation, bereavement or health challenges, come together with volunteers from all walks of life. Here, friendships blossom, and support networks flourish as we work side by side, nurturing plants and nurturing each other.
Empowering Through Employment
Volunteers play a vital role in our nursery, helping to grow and sell our plants and shrubs at local markets and events. The proceeds from our sales are reinvested back into our project, supporting our mission to provide part-time short-term employment contracts to individuals facing barriers to traditional employment. These contracts not only provide valuable work experience and confidence-building opportunities but also serve as a stepping stone for individuals to pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures.
Community Support
We are grateful for the support of our local community and charitable organisations, as well as the generosity of wholesale nurseries and governmental agencies. Through their donations of vehicles, growing stock, and financial contributions, we have been able to build a strong foundation for our project, enabling us to expand our inventory and resources.
Impact
Since our inception, we have offered four work experience placements referred by local job centres, providing individuals with valuable skills and references for future employment opportunities. Some of our volunteers have even transitioned into self employment, launching their own gardening projects inspired by their time with us.
Join Us
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply looking to make a difference in your community, we invite you to join us at Making Life Beautiful. Visit our stall at local markets, connect with us on social media, or enquire about volunteer opportunities. Together, we can continue to cultivate beauty, both in our gardens and in the lives of those we touch.
At Making Life Beautiful, every plant sold is a symbol of hope, growth, and the endless possibilities that arise when we come together as a community.
