April 2010
During April 2010 as part of an initiative introduced by Space 2 Grow, participants at Wantage Day Centre cleared derelict raised beds, sowed seeds and planted them out in anticipation of summer crops of flowers, herbs and vegetables. The chef on site at the Day Centre was very keen to use any culinary herbs and vegetables as they became available and the participants were keen to sow, grow and eat their produce.
During April 2010 as part of an initiative introduced by Space 2 Grow, participants at Wantage Day Centre cleared derelict raised beds, sowed seeds and planted them out in anticipation of summer crops of flowers, herbs and vegetables. The chef on site at the Day Centre was very keen to use any culinary herbs and vegetables as they became available and the participants were keen to sow, grow and eat their produce.
Many of the group had recently downsized their homes and lost their garden spaces. All agreed that the opportunity to re-connect with horticulture and to work outside in the fresh air in small groups was very beneficial.
“Gardeners revive vandalised plot”
Wantage Herald
Tuesday 20th April 2010
Gardeners are reaping what they have sown after bringing back to life a vandalised bit of scrubland.
About a dozen members of Wantage Day Centre, in Garston Lane, have transformed a dilapidated patch of land at the site into an attractive space brimming with herbs, flowers and vegetables.
The gardeners used trowels and forks, some specially adapted for use for elderly people, to plant fennel, parsley, beans, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, chives, courgettes, sweet corn, thyme, mint, pansies, marigolds and sweet peas.
Jennifer Cawood principal of Space 2 Grow, who led the project, said the plot was ideal because the raised beds are at waist height – meaning there is no need to bend over to ground level.
She said: “I think the lovely thing about this has been watching the older people rediscover horticulture. It’s nice when you hear them talk about the feel of the soil between their fingers and reminiscences about past gardening experiences.”
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