The Glasshouse Effect: Our brand partner’s success at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
8/7/2024
Our brand partner The Glasshouse kicked off summer with a successful stint at a British institution: the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Their exhibit – which represented their mission of creating brighter futures for female ex-offenders through horticulture – scooped a Gold Medal Award and caught the attention of the media.
Using horticulture to help women in prison turn a new leaf
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the perfect platform for this botanical social enterprise, which first sprang to life in formerly disused glasshouses at HMP East Sutton Park. Founders Kali Hamerton-Stove and Melissa Murdoch transformed these into spaces for learning and personal development, where ex-offenders upskill and train for a Level 2 RHS horticulture qualification.
To date, The Glasshouse has helped more than 30 women through their life-changing programme, which also includes support with finding safe housing upon release. All graduates have started paid employment or further training within six weeks, with a 0% reoffending rate.
Social Supermarket sales of house plants grown in the prison glasshouses help fund this programme. They make fantastic gifts or green touches in the office and we’ve helped to introduce London-based ‘better businesses’ to their plant life to brighten up workplaces.
Taking ‘The Glasshouse Effect’ to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The team used their RHS Chelsea exhibit to represent their mission and impact. “The Glasshouse Effect” recreated the environment of the original glasshouse where the project began, showcasing house plant specimens nurtured by women in prison.
There were also beautiful bird cages inspired by women in the programme, representing their hopes and dreams. Several of the cages were floating within the trees, symbolising graduates who have been released and are flourishing.
The Glasshouse’s Commercial Director Katie Whittingham summed up the effect of the exhibit, which was housed in a greenhouse from Malvern Buildings: “Our greenhouse is grounded and beautiful. It’s here to show you that there is hope for women who want a second chance. It will take you on our journey from prison to release – from a place of darkness to hope.”
An unforgettable gold medal-winning experience
The Glasshouse Effect received resounding praise, most notably with a gold medal award and a perfect score from the judges. Not bad for a first-time exhibitor!
The team also welcomed celebs like Julia Bradbury and Katie Piper to the exhibit, while the BBC paid them a visit in the run-up to the show. You can watch their feature on the RHS Chelsea coverage.
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The Chelsea experience was a special one for all the team, but particularly those who came through the programme. On the The Glasshouse blog, Jess wrote, “Three years ago I had a drug addiction and ended up in prison, I didn’t think I’d make it past my 30th birthday. I can’t believe that I get to do things like this now I am released.”
Recent graduate Rhi also said, “Most of the time, we’re ignored or even worse, we’re hidden, so to be embraced and showcased with top people of the horticultural world is an absolute dream.”
Helping The Glasshouse on their way to RHS Chelsea
It’s been a pleasure to see The Glasshouse go from strength to strength, reaching this incredible milestone and helping many women like Jess and Rhi along the way.
We’re proud to have played our part in their success, with help from our clients who buy The Glasshouse plants for their offices and corporate gifting.
Together, we’ve created 50 full days of living wage employment for women in prison preparing for their release, as well as 20 days of training for the team of women going through the project.
A partnership that keeps on growing
Commenting on the value of our partnership, co-founder Kali from The Glasshouse (pictured below) said: “The impact on our social enterprise has been a game changer for us. It has enabled us to scale up, and in the process has improved our processes and our aspirations.
“Due to the scale of the events we have pulled in more of our staff team and worked more efficiently and productively. If we are able to secure regular corporate contracts we will certainly be able to employ more people who have support needs and are marginalised or excluded from the labour market. This is our mission.”
Help The Glasshouse train more women and reduce reoffending
If you want to support The Glasshouse’s mission, place an order of their life-changing houseplants today.
