From the Crypt to Chelsea

St George’s provides flowers for international show

Residents of Faith Lodge, a St George’s Crypt hostel, will be presenting a different type of garden at this week’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Faith Lodge provides an alcohol free 'dry' supported accommodation men in Leeds who have given up alcohol or drugs, who are looking for a place to stay, and this project is also working with vulnerable – homeless, recovering from drug and alcohol addiction - people.

Faith Lodge – in Little London, Leeds – has been growing  a range of plants  which will go towards a giant "wall" of 4,000 plants created by homeless volunteers around the country. The wall, known as ‘The Key’ has been co-ordinated by the Eden Project in Cornwall and national charity Homeless Link. At  65 foot long it is reckoned to be the biggest structure of its kind.

Chris Fields, Operations Director of the Crypt, said today: “We are thrilled to be part of this really innovative venture. Chelsea Flower Show is often perceived to be the province of the wealthy and the privileged – this partnership with so many other homelessness organisations really turns that on its head”.

Mr Fields said the residents were looking forward to being involved in the Chelsea Flower Show – the concept behind the wall as the focal point of the display is that it will be a symbol of the obstacles so many homeless and deprived people face on a daily basis. 

Howard Jones, from the Eden Project, said: "We are involving many people now living in hostels and prisons in providing the plants and the skills to make this unique garden.

"We are working closely with Homeless Link, who are encouraging hostels around the country to grow plants to order."

The project is part of a government scheme to help homelessness organisations improve facilities and run programmes to help homeless people develop their talents and skills.

Eden is also involved with sowing seeds and planting bulbs in hostel gardens in preparation for the flower show.

Garden designer Paul Stone said: "The theme of the garden will be that investment in people must be seen as a solution and not a cost.

"The wall is a vital focal point... its significance within The Key garden is that it is a wall but it is not a barrier - you will be able to pass through it."