Green Therapies

Veterans Bloom – Flower Farming

Serving those in our community who have served

Veteran Blooms – Female Flower Farming

Having served in the Intelligence Corps for 21 years, our latest Social and Horticultural Therapy initiative is one particularly dear to our Founder, Maggie’s, heart. This project is for female veterans and spouses of veterans who are considered vulnerable. We have run 3 courses to date in 2024, enabled through the kind sponsorship of the Armed Forces Covenant and Southern Co-operative. Horticulture therapy has proven benefits for those dealing with mental health issues, social isolation and other health conditions. Our aim is to provide a complimentary therapy which can support other forms of treatment. Veterans benefit from being outdoors within nature, working outdoors gardening learning new skills. We aim to reduce levels of stress or anxiety the veterans might be experiencing in addition to reducing feelings of isolation.

What happens during a typical session?

A typical flower farming session includes a practical gardening activity, such as seed sowing, planting out flowers, bed preparation or potting on, dependant on the season. In the summer veterans are shown how to make a hand held bouquet and a jar posy, cutting from site and for the autumn course they have made Christmas wreaths using natural materials grown at Tuppenny barn. Each session allows for tea and a chat, making friendships which we hope will develop into longer term social connections within the group.

When are the sessions?

Sessions will run on Tuesdays from 11-3pm. We are now taking bookings for 2026 see below how to apply.

How can I apply?

A referral needs to be made by a military charity, health professionals including social prescribers, GPs and psychiatrists, social workers, support workers or similar.

To read our referral procedure, click here.

You can view and download our Referral Form, click here.

You can see our Safeguarding Policy for Adults here

To find out more, email Jane Gleeson or Maggie Haynes or call 01243 377780.

If you are interested in joining the course, email or call 01243 377780.

Tuppenny Barn are proud to be Soil Association Organic
members campaigning for healthy, humane and sustainable
food, farming and land use.

Tuppenny Barn is a member of the Organic Growers Alliance which is a network of growers, farmers and horticulturalists. The OGA is a peer-to-peer support network run by growers for growers. As well, the OGA is a place to exchange information and learn and it represents its members.