On Wednesday I was fortunate enough to be invited to Edinburgh’s Redhall Gardens, to celebrate the opening of the new Herb Garden which has been supported by Jo Malone.
Redhall is one of a number of horticultural projects that Jo Malone supports throughout the UK – they have projects in London, Leeds and Bristol, and the work they do is truly incredible.
People who are dealing with mental illness, as well as those suffering from addictions and hardships are able to come to Redhall and learn key horticultural skills.
These skills can be transferred to help people deal with daily life, and well as helping them to get jobs. The rehabilitation the garden offers in truly inspiring.
Not only are the skills the gardeners learn incredibly empowering, the time they spend outside in the fresh air is incredibly good for them physically too!
What I found most touching about the afternoon, was just how proud everyone involved in the project was – you could feel the satisfaction, and the gardens was truly beautiful too.
There were pockets of flowers alongside orderly rows of shrubs, and everything just felt so beautifully natural.
For the opening, there was a great mix of people – the girls from Jo Malone, who had helped with the gardens, the gardeners, bloggers and writers – everyone was just so impressed!
To add a gorgeously luxurious, but whimsical touch, Jo Malone candles were sprinkled around the gardens, and the air was delicately perfumed with them.
Tucked away in one of the gardens was a gorgeous little corner filled with perfumes and lotions, where you could enjoy a hand massage.
When it was time to hear more about the opening, we all filtered into the marquee which had the most glorious buffet.
It was filled with the yummiest home baking courtesy of Three Sisters Bake – you could choose from the most perfect looking array of cakes, to perfectly petite sandwiches.
We all gathered to listen to a few opening words and watch a very moving video detailing all of the hard work which has gone into Redhall, as well as the other projects sponsored by Jo Malone around the country.
Then, just as the rain began, we all headed to the Herb Garden, where Edinburgh’s Lord Provost cut the official ribbon.
If you’re in Edinburgh, I would definitely recommend a trip. Not only are the gardens really beautiful, but it is the most wonderful cause, and the difference it’s made to the gardener’s lives is incredible.
