Life Skills - The Rainbow Nursery

Rainbow Nursery

A Horticultural Training Project based at the South of England Rare Breeds Centre

At present, there are 30 trainees (attending between 1-3 days/week) at the Rainbow Nursery supported by 3 full-time members of staff and volunteers. Most of the trainees are residents with Canterbury Oast Trust with some external placements arranged from within the local community via the Local Authority and private care organisations. The age range is 18-60 years.

Rainbow Nursery now operates on two sites at Highlands Farm. The main plant nursery growing area is situated on a 2 acre site and consists of 2 polytunnels, a glasshouse, and a net tunnel alongside 5 outdoor designated plant and vegetable growing beds.

In addition, there is a Plant & Craft Centre which opened in April 2000 and, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, continues to develop as the main sales outlet.

The Rainbow Nursery offers a training resource which has been designed to be fully accessible to trainees and the public. As well as bedding plants, cut flowers, vegetables, perennials and shrubs, the Nursery grows thousands of trays of bedding plants which are sold to the public and to local businesses.

In addition to specific skills in horticulture, trainees at the Nursery develop self-confidence through interacting with visitors who purchase products in the sales area. These products are grown to the highest standards. The team work both together and as individuals in a relaxed atmosphere designed to generate a more positive and supportive working environment.

If you would like to know more about Rainbow Plant Nursery - call Tracy Davison (Manager) on 01233 861 493 Extn. 258