THELASTWORD
THE GLASSHOUSE :
HELPING PEOPLE GROW
BY GUEST COLUMNIST , KALI HAMERTON STOVE , MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE GLASSHOUSE IN CRANBROOK .
We are an award-winning social enterprise selling house plants and offering second chances to women in prison through horticultural training and employment . Through our website and shop , The Glasshouse sells beautiful indoor plants in handmade grey clay pots , as well as plant care products and gifts .
Founded in February 2020 by myself and social entrepreneur , Melissa Murdoch , we have since strived to grow The Glasshouse into a leading example of successful social enterprise . Together with a very talented horticulture and support team , we are determined to reduce reoffending by ensuring women released from prison have improved opportunities and are prepared for release , so we offer intensive training and resettlement support ensuring women have the best chance at a second opportunity for a fulfilled and positive life .
I ’ m sure you ’ re wondering how this works ? The initial opportunity to join The Glasshouse is offered to women at the end of their prison sentence , and we work with three women ’ s prisons across Kent and Surrey , including HMP East Sutton Park open prison near Maidstone . At any given time , we have up to eight women from HMP East Sutton Park who are part of the programme and work with us part time , which is something we ’ re immensely proud of . In fact , The Glasshouse recently received a commendation from Social Enterprise UK , CBRE ’ s innovation award , and has doubled its turnover in the first two years , so we ’ re clearly doing something right !
When they ’ re not working in the shop , wrapping online orders , or planning the next exciting installation for our plant-scaping work in London , The Glasshouse women are busy at the company ’ s ‘ Growing HQ ’, which is also in Cranbrook . We host regular training sessions here where plants are nurtured and prepared , and the site also hosts houseplant workshops run by our talented , green-fingered women . These informative , fun sessions have been run for groups including local U3A and corporate team building events and we ’ ve found they are really important in boosting confidence and offering the women that work with us a chance to be experts and share their knowledge , illustrating what they can achieve .
We are delighted to have become a respected part of the local business community and a place where women on day release can develop and practice customer service skills , offer plant care advice and pack orders weekly to ship across the UK .
On that note , our wonderful women have offered their top tips on winter houseplant care - winter particularly brings houseplants the twin challenges of indoor central heating and dryer air , so follow these steps for happier , healthier plants this season .
FEED ME : Consider giving plants a good seaweed-based plant food to ensure they have extra vitamins and minerals at this time of year . We sell and use Plantsmith plant care products .
PROTECT ME : Ensure plants are not in direct light and are away from hot spots in your home especially any direct sources of heating such as radiators and open fires .
WIPE ME : When you return home from being away , make sure to wipe and clean the leaves of your plant . Dust may have gathered in your absence and plant leaves should be cleaned regularly to ensure they process light efficiently .
MIST ME : Most indoor plants love humid , tropical environments and misting keeps plants happy . Place a bowl of water beside plants to ensure air stays humidified .
Our team is always on hand to give advice and offer plant support . Please pop by the shop in Cranbrook or visit our website to find the right plant for you or ask questions .
www . theglasshouse . co . uk
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