I often get asked what I actually do over the winter. People see a gardening organisation and assume that when the growing season stops, we do too.
The reality is that my work is entirely cyclical, and that takes some getting used to. Summer is our busiest time—specifically April, for Earth Month, and September, as summer winds down. It’s a build-up of momentum that peaks in the autumn, and then, quite suddenly, the event schedule slows right down.
Adjusting to the quiet
It’s a bit of a strange feeling. When you’ve been running on adrenaline and action all summer, the sudden shift in October as the gardens die back can be challenging.
Personally, I find that when my work structure disappears, I have to be strict about my own routine. I actually start my “New Year” resolutions in mid-October. For me, that means more focus on exercise and meditation to balance out the loss of that summer energy. It’s a bit of a “cards on the table” moment, but the darkening days definitely require a more intentional mindset.
What actually happens behind the scenes
So, what does a corporate gardening volunteer organisation do when it’s too cold to plant? To be honest, the list is long and remarkably varied. This is the time of year we focus on the foundations:
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People & Partnerships: Hiring new staff and checking in with our 24 partner community green sites. We’re also currently building new relationships with council estates and playgrounds for 2026.
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Planning: Outlining the specific gardening needs for the year ahead and improving our volunteer gardening day plans. I’m currently working with a yogi to create a 10-minute cooldown stretch for our volunteers—something to help with the physical side of the work.
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Admin & Image: Reviewing our contracts, insurance, and policies, as well as updating the website and our public image.
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The Books: And, of course, the annual accounts.
It’s a massive contrast to the hectic summer months, but it’s the work that makes our CSR days and volunteering in London possible.
I’m curious—does anyone else here work in a job that follows the seasons? I’d love to hear how you deal with that shift in pace and how it impacts your mood or routine. Any tips are more than welcome.
Planning your team’s 2026? Book with us now – email Matt @ Matt@LeavesBreathe.co.uk.
