The Community Garden, a much loved local space for cultivating fresh produce and bringing community spirit is excited to announce the availability of new garden beds. Previously limited to 12 gardening beds due to financial constraints and limited garden space, we are excited to offer new opportunities for local residents to engage in gardening.
Growing interest and unmet demand
Over the years, we’ve received numerous enquiries from local residents who are very eager to join our gardening community. Unfortunately, we were at, and we were unable to accommodate these enthusiastic gardeners. However, with the recent expansion, we are pleased to offer new gardening beds, including both standard and larger sizes, to meet this growing demand.
Bed sizes and pricing
Our community garden now features two sizes of gardening beds:
Standard beds: £20 for the bed and £20 for water usage annually.
New larger beds: £30 for the bed and £30 for water usage annually.
These prices are reviewed and adjusted each year based on the water bill to ensure fairness and sustainability.
A place for diverse cultivation
Our gardeners grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, marrows, strawberries, runner beans, pumpkins, coriander, aubergines, chilies, courgettes, zucchini, and much more. The garden is not just a place for growing produce but also a vibrant hub for socialising and building friendships. It’s a fantastic way to engage with the community and enjoy the shared joy of gardening.
Convenient and accessible location
The community garden is conveniently located next to the Sue Bramley Centre, adjacent to the skatepark and the football pitch, making it an accessible and enjoyable spot for the whole family.
*Local Raw Honey and Community Markets*
We’re also proud to support our local beekeeper, John Renaut, who harvests raw honey that can be purchased at Chelmer Wines Shop in Chelmer Crescent. John also operates a stall outside the rear of Thamesview Hall every 1st Friday of the month from 12 PM to 2 PM. Although John moved his bees to a new location last year, he plans to bring his colony back to our community garden soon, adding yet another delightful element to our gardening experience. you can also find him online. www.jpswildhoney.co.uk
The gardening expansion is a testament to our commitment to allowing community engagement, supporting local agriculture, and providing a welcoming space for all. Join us in cultivating not just plants, but also friendships and a stronger community.
Get involved today!
If you would like to start gardening, please contact Hafiz at 07961 818814 or email: communitygardensecretary@gmail.com. We are eager to welcome new members and continue growing our community garden together.
By Hafiz Rahman
Local resident and REB member
