Roots and Bloom: How Flowers and Nature are Transforming Lives in Sheffield
Meet Gina, the founder and director of Roots and Bloom, a social enterprise in Sheffield that’s using the power of nature to support people living with dementia. What started as a small flower-growing project in 2019 has now blossomed into a thriving community interest company (CIC), complete with a flower shop and farm, focused on social and therapeutic horticulture.
“We use flower farming and gardening to help people with dementia improve their confidence, mental health, and overall well-being,” Gina explains. Through Roots and Bloom, people who might otherwise feel isolated find a welcoming and supportive space to connect with nature, get their hands dirty, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
Making a Difference with Gardening Sessions
At the heart of Roots and Bloom are the Gather and Grow sessions, which are run in partnership with the Heeley Trust. These free monthly sessions offer people with dementia the opportunity to take part in gardening and horticultural activities in a supportive environment. “We’ve found that these sessions not only improve physical fitness but also help participants feel more connected to their community and less isolated,” Gina says.
One story, in particular, stands out for Gina. “We had a lady who wouldn’t speak for the first few sessions. Then one day we brought flowers in for our bouquet-making session and as soon as I walked in, she started naming every single flower. Seeing how these sessions helped her regain confidence and engage was incredible.”
The Roots and Bloom Flower Farm
Located on a local estate, Roots and Bloom’s flower farm grows everything from seeds and bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and perennials. Their polytunnel allows them to extend the flower-growing season, providing beautiful, locally grown flowers for longer periods. Once harvested and prepared, the flowers are brought to the Roots and Bloom shop in Lee’s Yard, where they’re transformed into bouquets and delivered across Sheffield.
“We sell our flowers to the general public and businesses, and the income from those sales helps fund our dementia support work,” Gina explains. By purchasing flowers from Roots and Bloom, customers not only enjoy fresh, sustainably grown blooms but also contribute to a vital community service.
Support from Sheffield’s Social Enterprise Network
Setting up and running a social enterprise comes with unique challenges, but Gina is quick to credit the Sheffield Social Enterprise Network (SSEN) for providing essential guidance and support. “The network is invaluable,” she says. “Running a social enterprise is so different from a regular business, and SSEN understands that. They’ve helped us connect with other social enterprises, access funding, and navigate some of the challenges we’ve faced.”
Gina also highlights her participation in the Sheffield Social Enterprise Growth Accelerator (SEGA) program, where she received expert advice and mentorship. “Through SEGA, we’ve had specialist advice that’s helped us grow our flower shop, and working with our mentor, Kris, has been instrumental in our development.”
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
One of the ongoing challenges for Roots and Bloom has been finding suitable space for their flower-growing activities. “We started in a friend’s back garden, but finding land has always been a challenge,” Gina admits. Fortunately, they’ve secured space on a local estate, which has allowed them to expand their growing operation.
Like many social enterprises, Roots and Bloom has also faced the challenge of funding. “The lack of unrestricted funding is an issue,” Gina explains. “It can be difficult to get grants with flexible conditions that allow us to spend the money where it’s most needed.”
Looking forward, Gina is focused on growing Roots and Bloom’s impact and tackling the challenges of social media marketing. “As a creative person, I find marketing a bit overwhelming,” she says. “Some help with strategizing and planning our social media would make a huge difference, and I’m hoping to get that support through the network.”
A Flourishing Future for Roots and Bloom
Thanks to the support of the Sheffield Social Enterprise Network and the SEGA program, Roots and Bloom is thriving. With their flower farm, shop, and gardening sessions, they’re making a real difference in the lives of people living with dementia. For Gina, the rewards are clear: “It’s amazing to see the smiles on people’s faces when they receive a bouquet of flowers or attend a gardening session. It’s about more than just flowers—it’s about connection, confidence, and community.”
