Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea flower show is the highlight of the UK's horticultural calendar and this year it proved to be a success for twelve volunteers at a St Mungo's gardening scheme.

Key garden at RHS Chelsea Flower ShowAlong with volunteers from homeless projects across the UK, the homeless men and women from the St Mungo's Putting Down Roots programme spent three days behind the scenes at the famous Flower Show, preparing the Key Garden for thousands of visitors to see.

The Key garden is one of the Show's largest showpieces and this time managed to beat stiff opposition to win the silver medal at the show!

The St Mungo's Putting Down Roots gardeners were co-ordinated by gardener trainer Fiona Finn, who said:

"It's been a real privilege to be involved with the project...It has really helped build people's confidence and people have been able to put skills they've been learning to good use. It's been a once in a lifetime experience."

Chelsea Flower Show Carey Bent and Fiona Finn

Carey Brent, began living at St Mungo's in 2004. He joined the Putting Down Roots trainee scheme in 2008 and discovered a passion for "the therapy of gardening". Carey now lives in his own flat and plans to set up a business as a self-employed gardener once he qualifies this summer.

"Chelea is something you would dream about but never think you'd have the opportunity to take part in.. It's been a great experience for me, one I will never forget."

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