A local gardening project has not only turned a former derelict site into an award winning garden, it has helped transform the life of a previously homeless man.

Twelve months ago the rear garden of the property in Fore Street, Camborne was completely abandoned and overgrown. The house is owned by social housing landlord, Coastline Housing, and its New Connection division provides supported accommodation and support to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

One of the New Connection's clients is Brian Hoskings who has been the linchpin of  the project. Over the past year, former farmer Brian has used his love of the land and horticultural skills, together with sheer determination and hard work to produce a truly inspirational garden.

With initial assistance from the Eden Project and Duchy College, who kindly donated the top soil for the garden, the project has gone from strength to strength. All the seeds and plants sown and grown in the garden were bought with money raised from fundraising activities held last year. This year well over £200 has been raised from selling an array of plants and herbs to Coastline staff and clients as well as over £100 from a raffle; all of which will be used to sustain the garden for the coming season.

Asked what he particularly enjoys about getting back to nature, green-fingered Brian admits that he enjoys the solitude his gardening brings him. “I just love the peace and quiet of being out here in the fresh air,” he said.

Brian has taken his hobby one step further and has recently completed a NPTC Level 1 Certificate in Practical Horticultural Skills at Duchy College, Rosewarne and now plans to move on to the Level 2 course. For his sheer dedication and hard work Brian was also awarded a ‘Making a difference’ award at the New Connection’s Celebration Day.

The gardening project itself is also an award winner and last year won a silver medal in the Places of Change Show Garden at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. This year it is one of the shortlisted entries in the Camborne in Bloom competition.

 

Martin Evans, the husband of Coastline’s New Connection Resettlement worker, Alison Evans, is a keen gardener himself and has been lending a much needed hand at the garden.

 

“Our goal is to have plants growing 12 months of the year. The project shows just what can be achieved in a season and we hope to inspire others to get involved in the future, “he said.