News & Events

Benefits galore from OWL’s bountiful garden

28 July 2025

COLLEAGUES and clients alike are benefitting in many different ways from the bountiful garden at OWL Emergency accommodation.

The garden, which was transformed in 2022 to provide vegetable growing plots and fenced in seating areas, has received something of a renaissance this year after last summer’s wash out.

The front garden is proving a haven for wildflowers, birds, squirrels and foxes and the whole garden is now being well used for breaks, keywork sessions, outdoor activities and BBQs.

Successful funding applications have paid for greenhouses, pots, seeds and some raised beds while others have been built by hand, recycling scrap wood. As a result, the emergency accommodation which can accommodate up to 12 homeless young people, is growing a veritable green grocery of produce including multiple varieties of tomato, chillies, lettuce, onions, sweetcorn and potatoes. Add to that, pumpkins for Halloween, sprouts for Christmas, two different varieties of melon, cocamelons and peanuts.

Scheme Manager Kerri Walker explained: “We do a lot of work promoting healthy eating, but it really costs money, and a lot of salad stuff goes to waste within days. We are teaching our clients to live on a limited budget so being able to nip outside and be able to pluck a few salad leaves, spring onion and a handful of cherry tomatoes not only saves food waste but helps save money and eat that bit better too.”

She said: “We are also learning something new every day. We never thought about how peanuts grow or envisioned mating flowers to breed a squash!”

While gardening may not be seen as ‘cool’ by many teenagers, when food is being produced and eaten, it suddenly shoots up the ratings.

“Clients have been facetiming family, showing them the garden while others are paying interest and getting involved because there so much to see and, due to the nice weather and things growing thick and fast, this changes by the day.”

She added: “The garden makes the outside welcoming and pretty. We are strengthening our relationship with our neighbours because we are looking after our environment. It is also a big talking point for visitors and other professionals. In addition, it is fun, useful and we can’t wait to be literally reaping the rewards when our produce keeps us fed all year round.”

Here’s what our colleagues say about the garden…

“Living in a flat I don't have a garden and, working here, I've always really loved the garden space and grounds and have realised how much potential it has. Being outdoors is therapeutic and when something shoots up and becomes edible it's also pretty rewarding!” Kerri

''The garden not only receives consistent compliments from visitors but makes the scheme so lovely! We have lots of different veg/fruit and herbs growing that clients will be encouraged to use which will not only save money but give them an opportunity to try new things.'' Emma

“Over the past four years since working at OWL Emergency, I have watched the garden transform and blossom into a space that offers tranquillity, reflection and growth for both staff and clients.” Casey

“The garden is a boon to the mood of both the young people at the scheme and bettering their mental health and increasing their interaction with nature, as well as staff’s own mental wellbeing as we come to work in a more beautiful environment.” Jordan

“I think the gardening and growing things is a brilliant idea. It makes the scheme look nicer and more appealing to potential clients and other professionals and makes me proud to come to work in such a pretty environment. It's been nice watching it build over the time I've been here, as well as having some input about what we grow.” Annie

“For our clients, especially vulnerable young people, the benefits are really valuable. Gardening can offer a calming space, promote responsibility, and give a sense of achievement. It’s also a great way to encourage routine, reduce stress, and build confidence in a non-pressured way.” Josephine

“The garden shows the positive outcomes of putting time into it by having healthy fruit, veg and flowers. It helps reduce stress, keep busy in your own spare time while also educating ourselves on how to grow food and the different types of veg and fruits that can be grown.” Devon

“What a fantastic way to encourage our young people to eat healthy than to watch their seeds grow into edible goodness that they have created. A great opportunity for all to enjoy fresh crops that have not been through any sort of process before they reach the supermarkets, and you do actually taste the difference.” Karen

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