FAQs
Here we've compiled a selection of our frequently asked questions to help you better get to know our business.
What is a CIC?
CIC stands for Community Interest Company. It's a type of not-for-profit which means that all of our assets are owned by the community, and the directors do not benefit from shares. If our business were to close for any reasons, all of the assets we've collated in our time would be donated on to another good cause. Being a CIC also means we're eligible to apply for pots of funding which allow us to make our sessions as accessible as possible, funding staff, materials and sometimes even transport.
Where is your garden based?
Our garden is based in North Devon on National Trust land. We're located just next door to Arlington Court, on a place called the Home Farm Communities Hub alongside some other fantastic community organisations. We have a small concrete courtyard area that we have transformed into an edible jungle, as well as a two-storey linhay building for indoor space.
What kinds of sessions do you offer?
Our current sessions include Little Buds, an under 5s group on Wednesday mornings, Young Gardeners, a home education group on Thursday mornings and The Lady Gardeners' Club, a women's group which runs one Sunday per month. We'll be expanding our calendar with lots of new sessions in 2025 too! We cater for additional needs wherever possible, and can also run team building days, children's birthday parties, hen parties and more!
What do I need to bring to come along?
Suitable clothing and footwear, we'll provide the rest! We recommend closed-toe footwear, but the ground is concrete so heavy duty wellies aren't needed unless there's a real downpour. Do dress for the weather and bring sun cream for the unlikely chance it's a scorcher!
Do you offer workshops in other locations?
Yes! We've worked in a number of schools in North Devon, attended festivals such as RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and Spring Classic Festival and often run pop ups across the country, such as at the Wild Wellbeing retreat in Norfolk!
I can't attend a session in person but would love to support you, how can I help?
There are lots of ways to support us outside of a session, be it telling a friend, engaging with our posts on social media, or donating directly to us which fund spaces on our sessions for those who cannot afford to attend.
Who are you funded by?
Currently, about 50% of our annual sessions are funded, and 50% are ticketed. The ticketed events are what make our business feasible in the long term, with profits spent on improving our space, resources and workshop offering. Then, the grant funding enables us to work with a large group of people who wouldn't be able to attend otherwise due to issues such as financial difficulty and transport issues. We are so grateful to all of the organisations who have supported us (financially, socially and otherwise) and you can see a few of our funders below. These grants range from £250-£20,000 and make such an incredible impact on us and our community.