Marlborough trust launches native plant venture

A Marlborough charity is branching out with a new social enterprise aimed at growing native plants and creating opportunities for people with disabilities.

Selmes Garden Charitable Trust has launched Trees for Marlborough, operating from the former garden centre site. The trust has shifted to a wholesale model focused on bulk propagation of locally eco sourced native plants.

It also retains an inclusive staffing approach, offering training and work opportunities for people with disabilities and supporting young people transitioning into the workforce.

Large early orders have already come from Whitehaven and Marlborough Roads, alongside requests for rare native seeds.

Chair of the Trust Ross Sinclair says the move continues the spirit of the well-known garden centre.

"For us, the garden centre became unviable, and we were looking for something else that we could do to continue to support the disabled community so we established a new social enterprise which has been going now for about eight or nine months in a quietly viable way”, Ross says.

Business Development Manager Nicki Stretch says Trees for Marlborough is about purpose and belonging.

“The transition from school for all youth going to what next is a struggle, with 15% youth unemployment and for those with intellectual disabilities it’s multitudes worse.

“With this being on International Disability Day, we want to reflect on how we remove barriers while asking questions of disability, young people and the education system.”

Revenue from plant sales will fund future projects on the site, including a community garden designed for easy access for people with disabilities.
Other ideas in development include organic produce gardens, vertical and hydroponic growing systems, a mushroom cave and a pocket food forest.

Growing operations manager Xander Kingma says they welcome ecosourced seeds from locals.

“It’s important for plants to be adapted to climate even as it changes, so our local planting can be spiced with rare plants other large plantations don’t have.”

Ross says the enterprise will supply large-scale revegetation projects across Marlborough.