Growing success for inmates

May 1 2008 by Kerry-Lynne Doyle, Glamorgan Gazette

PRISONERS are celebrating after picking up a silver medal for their gardening skills.

Inmates at Parc Prison won a silver medal at the Cardiff RHS Spring Flower Show for designing a garden called Choices.

The garden was inspired by the prisoners’ journey towards rehabilitation and the decisions they face to try to turn their lives around.

The plants were grown, cultivated and planted during the prison’s gardening classes, while the wooden structures were created by the students in carpentry vocational training courses.

Martin Dykstra, project co-ordinator and Parc’s horticultural instructor, said: “We are delighted that the hard work of the prisoners at HMP & YOI Parc has been recognised with such a prestigious award.

“The creation of this garden has been a positive learning experience for all involved and the skills gained can only serve to highlight the importance of learning a profession.”

The prison is aiming to enter the competition again next year and to go for a gold medal.

In the meantime, the prison has been asked to display the garden at the upcoming RHS Birmingham show.