A new community interest company – Into the Garden – is finding that its work giving people with autism the skills and knowledge to work in horticulture, is growing.

The company was formed by Andrea Leen and Floortje van der Ven to meet the needs of older teenagers and adults with autism, a lifelong developmental disability which varies from person to person, affecting how they relate to other people and the world around them.

Into the Garden provides therapeutic horticulture work experience and the opportunity to work towards recognised qualifications for different abilities, tailored to each individual.

Floortje said: “People can work at their own pace, under the guidance of trained, autistic-friendly staff and volunteers who support them to become confident, fulfil their potential and take part in a commercial enterprise “Gardening also offers a combination of relaxation and opportunities for self-development.”

Into the Garden, based at Wytham, is available for half days or several days per week. Support staff can be provided, or people can come with their own staff.

Andrea and Floortje met when they organised art exhibitions for Oxford Artweeks which were attended by youngsters with autism.

They set up Into the Garden in 2014. Currently the focus of planting is organic flowers, herbs and small trees, which will eventually be sold online and locally, and setting up a poly tunnel, a pilot project which is run under the umbrella of Farmability.

Future plans include the creation of a show garden to teach garden skills and be a place for the local community to enjoy.

The company also aims to fundraise for a classroom through crowd funding, develop work opportunities, and offer apprenticeships and higher horticulture and floristry qualifications.

In the longer term Into the Garden aspires to become a self-financing horticulture enterprise, not reliant on grants or personal independence payments.

Andrea and Floortje would like to meet more aspiring gardeners with autism, and would welcome more volunteers to the project. Volunteers can help on an occasional or regular basis in a variety of roles helping in the field or garden, with special events, in the office with administration and supporting people with autism.

Andrea says “We’re proud to be bursting with energy, empathy and ideas. There’s a lot of fun to be had, rain or shine.”

To find out more, visit intothegarden.org.uk

To discuss individual need or volunteering, contact Andrea or Floortje on 07906 604 104 or 01865 773626.