Learning at work week with Newground Together

Banner reading "Learning at work week with Newground Together" over a wooded outdoor area with a partially visible building

May 18th – 24th marked “Learning at work week”- an annual recognition for continuous growth and development for employees. During this week, some of our team headed outdoors to spend the morning with the Newground Together team at the Offshoots community garden.

 

The session introduced us to sustainable gardening practices, beginning with planting vegetables in a large plot before moving on to potting our own basil, dahlias and cosmos, providing us with practical skills we could carry straight into our own green spaces. 

 

In between, we took a break to try tea brewed from fresh herbs handpicked in the garden – a reminder of how versatile homegrown plants can be, from cooking ingredients to natural remedies and teas rich in minerals and antioxidants. We were able to enjoy this in the garden’s volunteer space provided by Newground.

 

As well as learning a new skill, gardening is a great way to step away from screens, spend time outdoors, reduce stress and increase mental wellbeing. 

 

Offshoots frequently run volunteer sessions, providing the community with opportunities to meet new people and spend time in a relaxing environment. Find out more here.

Person in professional attire smiling at camera
Outdoor kitchen garden with timber raised beds, cane wigwam supports, and woodland backdrop on an overcast day
Offshoots Community Garden
Row of small potted seedlings on a wood chip path beside a table of plant trays, with a hand holding a pot in the foreground
Raised wooden garden beds filled with mixed plants including purple flowers and leafy green and burgundy-leaved plants, with trees and a fence behind