Growing Together (outdoor exhibition)

Growing Together: A Photographic Exploration of Community, Heritage, and Healing Through Gardening

Growing Together explores how gardening connects people and improves well-being.

Social prescribing provides activities that support emotional and mental health, as is evident each week, when a group gathers at an allotment in Gloucester, where the simple act of gardening becomes something powerful.

Here, people facing disabilities, mental health challenges, and social isolation find healing through nature and community bonds. Beyond growing vegetables, allotments bring people together, foster connection and support, creating a space where nature unites.

Historically, allotments have been safe havens for working-class people, providing food, purpose, and pride. These spaces hold deep cultural significance, reflecting resilience, creativity, and shared traditions.

Through portrait photography, Stefania Distante captures the heart of this community, highlighting the strength, heritage, and transformation that flourish in these gardens. This project celebrates how gardening fosters botanical, personal and collective growth.