Business Details
Your Trusted Horticultural Training and Plant Nursery in Aberdeen
Solstice Nurseries is a social enterprise dedicated to 'Growing People and Plants' at our peaceful location in Drumduan Walled Garden, Banchory Devenick, Aberdeen. Established to support individuals recovering from mental illness, we combine horticultural expertise with mental health sector experience to provide meaningful training and work experience. Our nursery offers quality shrubs, perennials, and alpine plants at competitive wholesale prices while delivering structured programmes that develop workplace skills, confidence, and wellbeing. We collaborate with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils to accept referrals, providing participants with 13-week trial periods and regular reviews.Our comprehensive training covers horticultural practices, health and safety, and employability skills, supported by experienced staff who understand both plant cultivation and mental health recovery. We maintain strong partnerships with local mental health teams and accept self-referrals with professional references, operating a flexible schedule to accommodate individual needs. Our facilities include kitchen amenities and transportation assistance, with a focus on creating a supportive environment that promotes personal growth and professional development through horticulture.
Services
Horticultural Training
Mental Health Support
Wholesale Plant Sales
Employability Skills
Work Experience Programmes
Community Partnerships
Personal Development
Plant Cultivation
Wellbeing Support
Referral Management
Highlights and features
- We combine horticultural expertise with mental health sector experience
- Our programmes develop workplace skills and confidence for mental health recovery
- We partner with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils for participant referrals
- Our staff provide specialist knowledge in both plant cultivation and wellbeing
- We offer structured 13-week trial periods with regular progress reviews
What people say
Supportive environment
Structured training
Positive mental health impact
Skill development
Confidence building
Services
Horticultural Training
Our horticultural training programme teaches plant care, propagation, and nursery operations. Participants learn practical skills in plant identification, cutting techniques, and wholesale preparation. This hands-on experience builds confidence while developing expertise in shrubs, perennials, and alpine plants.
Mental Health Support
We provide mental health support through structured work programmes and mindfulness sessions. Our experienced staff offer personal guidance, recovery planning, and stress management techniques. This holistic approach combines horticultural activities with wellbeing support to promote mental health recovery.
Employability Skills
Our employability programme develops workplace competencies including timekeeping, communication, and teamwork. Participants gain experience in nursery operations, customer service, and trade events. We also provide CV preparation, interview training, and job search assistance to enhance employment prospects.
Wholesale Plant Sales
We supply quality shrubs, perennials, and grasses at competitive wholesale prices. Our nursery offers diverse plant varieties for trade customers. Participants gain experience in plant preparation, sales, and trade fair participation while delivering reliable horticultural products.
Work Experience Programmes
Our structured 13-week work experience programmes offer flexible two-day weekly schedules. Participants receive regular progress reviews and personalised development plans. The programmes combine practical horticultural work with wellbeing support to facilitate gradual reintegration into employment.
People
Drumduan Walled Garden Team
Nursery Staff
Our experienced team combines horticultural expertise with mental health sector knowledge to deliver effective training programmes and plant cultivation.
Questions
What is Solstice Nurseries' primary mission?
We combine horticultural training with mental health support to help individuals recover through structured work programmes.
Who can participate in your programmes?
Residents of Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire with mental health challenges, referred by professionals or through self-referral with support.
What horticultural services do you offer?
We provide wholesale plant sales, nursery training, and horticultural skills development for both plants and people.
How do you support mental wellbeing?
Through mindfulness sessions, personal recovery planning, and structured work activities that build confidence and reduce stress.
What employability skills do you teach?
We develop workplace competencies including timekeeping, communication, CV preparation, and interview techniques for better job prospects.
How can I arrange a visit?
Contact us through our website to schedule an appointment at our Drumduan Walled Garden location in Aberdeen.