Sunny Salutations!
Over the Winter and Spring, I worked as an interim Community Engagement Officer for Quex Gardens as part of the Sunshine Project. Sponsored by A.I.M, the English Arts Council, and a Sports and Media Government Grant, this initiative falls under the Know Your Own Neighbourhood Fund, which supports socially isolated and disconnected community groups.
The Quex Gardens Community Outreach initiative—affectionately known as The Sunshine Project—was led by Quex’s Head Gardener, Sue Harris, with support from the Community Engagement Officer (initially Sarah-Jayne Rufaeel), Garden Maintenance Officer M. Bates, the garden team, a dedicated group of volunteers, and Julia, the resident ceramicist.
The Gardens themselves are a thriving micro-habitat, rich in nature’s offerings, including rare specimens such as Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchids) and Sophora japonica (Chinese Scholar Tree). Picturesque and serene are the words that come to mind as you walk the garden paths—strolling through the woodland walk, watching Koi fish swim lazily in the pond, and admiring the vibrant array of vegetables and fruit nearly ready for harvest in the Walled Garden, destined for the Museum Shop. Birdsong fills the air, including the majestic calls of the resident peacock echoing across the grounds, while the Victorian and Edwardian outbuildings transport you to another time—imagining what life may have been like in their heyday.
This hidden gem truly lives up to its name: “A Ray of Sunshine.”
[February 2024]
[Photo] Chalkboard for the Sunshine Community Outreach Project, at Quex Gardens
[Photo-Top] Daffodils’ in full Bloom last Spring
Working on the Sunshine Project was both eye-opening and deeply meaningful. I witnessed moments of genuine connection during tea and coffee breaks, and interacted with both older and younger adults, bonding over everything from the band One Direction to R.C. racing circuits and cars. There was always something to do in the garden—digging, pulling up weeds, potting seeds, transplanting plants, pruning, raking leaves, and adding to the mulch and compost heaps—all set within a lovely, serene environment
In winter, we lit wood-burning stoves, chopped and rotated firewood, and even hosted yoga sessions in the Bell Tent or the Winter Garden. We cared for the chickens—feeding them, mucking out their coop, and collecting their eggs. We sifted through discarded Victorian tiles found on the estate—later repurposed for a newly built open terrace—hauled bricks for Darren the bricklayer as he restored the garden walls, and assisted him in constructing an accessible outdoor kitchen complete with a brick pizza oven.
[September 2024]
We crafted homemade lavender bags using hand-picked blooms from Quex Gardens, sold throughout the year—including at events like the annual Ploughing Match. A few participants even tried their hand on the sewing machine for the first time. The studio was filled with the calming scent of lavender—soft, floral, and soothing—making it a wonderfully grounding creative space.
What started as a part-time secondment grew into a full-time role. Eventually, though, I found myself stretched too thin. My tendency to say yes to everything and invest deeply in the project took a toll on my mental health.
That said, it was a truly lovely project—nurtured by wonderful people and a kind-hearted, encouraging team. I’m incredibly grateful, they believed in me and gave me the opportunity to watch something meaningful grow and evolve. I’ve even heard whispers that they may have secured additional funding to continue the work—though I’m not sure that’s official just yet!
[Check them out for more news on Facebook—Powell-Cotton Museum page, or on Instagram via #SunshineProjectSunday.]
Quex Gardens is open during peak season on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM. Come explore the care and effort behind every corner.
[September 2024, statue before cleaned]
One of the ponds was looking a bit grotty and was covered in duckweed. The statue was cleaned with a pressure washer, the plants were carefully rinsed and potted, and the water was bailed out by the Sunshine participants using a bucket brigade formation. A newt was discovered during the process.
With time to rest and reflect, I’m easing back into a sense of normality. I’ve realised how deeply I crave creativity. The multifaceted nature of my role at the gardens reignited my confidence and self-belief. This mental pause has allowed me space to take stock and begin nurturing the ideas and imagination that had been simmering—sometimes even bursting—beneath the surface.
Last year, before taking on the garden role, a friend from Paint-Waves-Work and I hosted a joint exhibition called Coastal Dopamine. We received lovely feedback and it was the first time I truly saw my printmaking with clarity. Seeing my work side-by-side, I noticed recurring palette choices, mark-making techniques—realising for the first time that I had a style. In group exhibitions, that uniqueness had often gone unnoticed among the mix of others’ work.
Group shows offered great exposure, but now I feel ready to branch out—fully focusing on my own creative vision and committing to my path. I’m reconnecting with my creative self and feel more confident in my abilities than ever. As a new season begins, so does a new chapter.
Copyright 2025 by Helen Shaw- All rights reserved
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