Community cultivation

Humaira Ikram goes behind the scenes at an innovative Scottish nursery to pick up expert growing tips and explore its inspirational focus on wellbeing and social inclusion

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While it's common to hear talk about the social and health benefits of gardening, it can be hard to put that into practice, especially combining it with high horticultural standards. But that is exactly what Elea Strang has done at Kevock Garden Plants in Midlothian, Scotland.

Elea was always interested in plants and the outdoor world. In fact she looked for a botany degree course to apply for as a youngster, but ended up studying geography. Following that, life led her on a completely different course, into social work. After working in London she joined an organisation based in Edinburgh, where she still lives, assisting people with learning disabilities to set up small businesses together. While she loved her work, the pull of plants was stronger, so she applied for a job working at a local nursery, which was Kevock Garden Plants.

Come 2016, the current owners were looking for a new owner so they could retire, and Elea decided to combine her passions by taking over the nursery along with her husband to run it as a not-for-profit business. This means the nursery works for the good of the local community, generating income to achieve its goals but reinvesting surplus back into the organisation.

Expert growing tips: meconopsis

Kevock is known for growing meconopsis, or Himalayan blue poppies. These striking summer flowers are famed not just for their amazing colours but also for being rather tricky to grow. So what are Kevock’s secrets to success?

■ Plant them in partial, preferably dappled shade in a cool, humid environment. Avoid windy locations.

■ Try planting in a generous container if you're not sure which garden position will be best, so you can move the pot until you find the location where they thrive.