Bloom & The Gang - Martha’s Story

In this blog, Martha tells us about moving to Sheffield, finding Bloom, and making new friends over the potting table. Martha attended our gardening sessions this summer. Our gardening sessions are weekly get-togethers for fun, friendship and feeling good.


Discovering Bloom

I’m relatively new to Sheffield and we all know it can be difficult to meet new people. So when I saw a flyer about Bloom, I was really excited to see what kind of things they did.

I first came to a Gather and Grow session. But when I saw Bloom offered more regular gardening sessions so you could get to know people in a smaller group across a set amount of weeks, I was really interested. 

I sent Bloom an email and it was so simple and easy to get in touch, which is half the battle when you’re trying something new. I felt comfortable attending the sessions from the start. You get to see the same people and create a bit more of a regular connection. 

Making new connections

I’m a social person and I really enjoy getting to know people. As well as sitting and potting together, which I find really relaxing, we also get to watch plants grow from seedlings into something bigger. It’s so rewarding and incredible that I can share that with others in the group.

As well as bonding over the potting table and in the gardens, we also took a trip to Chatsworth.

Getting to know eachother at the sessions meant we felt comfortable spending the day together. It was so special to be shown around by the extremely knowledgeable Chatsworth team.

It was amazing to see such beauty so close to Sheffield - we’re so lucky to have the Peak District and Derbyshire on our doorstep. It was a really nice way to feel more connected to the group.

A safe space

I always look forward to my sessions at Bloom. It’s such an accepting space and I’ve always felt welcome, even when I’m not feeling too great. The group is never judgemental and the team have fostered such a warm, comfortable and supportive environment.

Bloom has had such a positive impact on my life. I always look forward to the sessions and seeing everyone. I’ve made some really great friends. We chat regularly and even meet up outside of the sessions now too. 

Bloom has really supported me in settling into Sheffield so far, and I can’t wait to spend more time in the gardens.


With much thanks to Helena Dolby who provided photographs for this piece and to Kat Chirnside who provided the copy writing skills.

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