December Team Meeting volunteering at Organic Blooms

We had our last team meeting of 2021 at Organic Blooms today. It’s a very special place for many people – staff, students, customers and those who support their social enterprise and produce. And J4.

For those who don’t know about Organic Blooms, it’s an organic cut flower farm near Bristol, growing and selling beautiful and seasonal cut flowers, sustainably. Growing lives as well as flowers, the farm offers City and Guilds training and work preparation for local people with disabilities and support needs.

Having followed their amazing story and watched them grow well for a few years now, our support and interest in Organic Blooms has become part of the team culture of J4. Our visits provide the chance to work together, volunteering time and efforts and applying ourselves to various job that may need doing. Our lifting, shifting, shovelling, cutting and pruning have proved to be remarkably therapeutic activities over the years, and are usually followed by welcome refreshments and a chance to kick back together. What makes is so special for us? Phil summed it up recently, as activity that was seemingly unrelated to the usual work that J4 does, a very different ethos, and setting. We also like rolling up our sleeves and getting stuck in, returning to see the work we have previously done help take shape for projects and the evolution of the farm.

This year we have been wood chipping all the paths in the largest polytunnel, working (sort of) outdoors in the midst of winter. The farm is as beautiful as ever, with seasonal wreaths being put together and foliage to bring cheer for decorations.  We hope your Christmas holiday season brings you joy and some well being. We thank all our clients and team for their support this year and look forward to continuing to grow together in 2022.