Welcome to the Blossom Project

It’s been nearly whole month since we opened our doors and welcomed everyone into our Blossom branch! We are thrilled with the installation by Friction Arts; the space is warm and inviting and the concept design is intricately connected to both the Blossom Project’s aims and Balsall Heath. They have made it an excellent space to represent this project which celebrates people and nature.

May and June Reflections

We thought it would be nice to start documenting the small moments at the Blossom Branch! This is a short highlight reel of our opening month:

The space itself is creative with corners to explore and many things to do. Intrigued children have dashed into the branch from the Ladypool Road to have a play, then come back again and again with cousins or school friends. The big fluffy rug in the middle of the room feels homely, the tables and chairs fold out and can be moved around, the space was designed with love by Fricton Arts, and it’s been a pleasure watching people interact with it. 

Just before we opened to the public, we had a visit from some pupils from Clifton Primary school. It was a wonderful chance to see some first reactions to the space and test out some activities with them. We made lavender bags together and identified some of the potted herbs we have in the branch. We also had a visit from the Head Teacher of Nelson Mandela Primary School. She joined us for a chat and told us about the amazing gardening projects they were doing at the school, they had a pond with newts, which sounded great. She asked for ways we could link up with them in the future. They spoke about opening their garden to the public during weekends and school holidays, which we thought was lovely.

Some amazing local artists and groups have joined us to run Saturday workshops, Juneau Projects came in and did brooch making and Sundragon Community Pottery came in and made some coiled plant pots. Gardeners from the National Trust ran a plant potting workshop, where people left with a new houseplant to take home and care for.

It’s been a busy and exciting opening month, and we are excited for more adventures to come!

Tasha and Ashleigh

The National Trust Blossom Branch. Pupils from Clifton Primary school visit the Blossom Branch, 249 Ladypool Rd, Balsall Heath. The National Trust Blossom Branch is a new community space where people in the area and drop in to find out more about nature and the Blossom Project. Picture by Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix Ltd
The National Trust Blossom Branch. Pupils from Clifton Primary school visit the Blossom Branch, 249 Ladypool Rd, Balsall Heath. The National Trust Blossom Branch is a new community space where people in the area and drop in to find out more about nature and the Blossom Project. Picture by Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix Ltd
The National Trust Blossom Branch. Pupils from Clifton Primary school visit the Blossom Branch, 249 Ladypool Rd, Balsall Heath. The National Trust Blossom Branch is a new community space where people in the area and drop in to find out more about nature and the Blossom Project. Picture by Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix Ltd
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