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A Place to Grow's Spring Open Day
15 April 2008
Visitors browse around the Place to Grow project site in Enderby
Enderby EYE
'A Place to Grow', the community garden project on Mill Lane, Enderby, held its Spring Open Day on Tuesday 15th April 2008.
During the event many visitors and volunteer workers passed through the gate to the project, accessed from Enderby Leisure Centre car park.
Team members from the project were on hand to answer questions and give guided tours of the site which boasts several plots allocated to various community groups.
Throughout the day there were various activities in which visitors could participate as well as displays about organic gardening, the therapeutic value of gardening, healthy eating and becoming involved in the Place to Grow project itself.
The event began just before lunchtime when the focus was on Tai Chi, a mind-body exercise technique designed to reduce stress, depression and anxiety whilst increasing strength, balance and flexibility.
Throughout the lunch period attention turned to a composting workshop sponsored by Glebe Garden Centre. Between 1.30pm and 2.30pm visitors could take part in a Hanging Basket and Container Planting Workshop.
Vintage lawnmowers on display at the 'A Place to Grow' event.
Visitors look on at one of the event displays.
One of many raised flower beds constructed for easier access...
'A Place to Grow' has its roots (pardon the pun) in 2005, when Sarah Northern from Voluntary Action Blaby District and Alison Leyshon from Blaby District Council began the process of bringing together various community groups interested in aspects of gardening.
In October the following year, a gardening group for persons with mental health difficulties was developed. On a British Trust for Conservation Volunteers' (BTCV) Spring into Action Day in March 2006, over 70 volunteers attended the site and marked out all the plots, meaning that more physically abled could start to use the site.
In succeeding months, groups for people experiencing mental health difficulties together with South Leicestershire Day Services which supports adults with learning disabilities, began to use the project regularly to grow their own vegetables.
In May 2007 the project gained a dedicated worker (Martin Butler) and gardening sessions were run 3 days of the week.
Chief Executive of Voluntary Action Blaby District, Andrew Ingles, praised the work of both Sarah and Alison in having the vision and commitment to developing the project.
Corporate benefactor chips in...
In June 2007 British Gas began to send teams of staff to the project on Team Building days to start work on a sensory garden, so that people with physical disabilities could start gardening.
British Gas now regularly send teams of between 15 and 30 staff.
Currently work is ongoing to improve the car park area and pathways to make the site more accessible to those with mobility problems and thanks to the District Council the site is now equipped with accessible toilet facilities.
The District Council also funded the provision of a cabin/shelter at the project, meaning that during bad weather people can still use the project and join in indoor gardening activities.
The project continues to require funding to continue to operate with a dedicated worker and complete the development of the Sensory Garden as well as the work on the car park and pathways. The Project is also hoping to be able to provide benches so that people can sit down, relax and enjoy the garden.
Burgers and hot drinks available at the event's BBQ
(Above) Plans for the Sensory Garden were on display at the event
If you would like to support A Place to Grow, they are in need of people who can donate plants and seeds, take cuttings from their own plants and donate tools and equipment. The project would also welcome gifts of cash for the items!
Contact Voluntary Action Blaby District on 0116 272 7669
The project thanks all who are helping with the project with specific thanks going to David Garratt, Glebe Garden Centre, British Gas, BTCV, The National Lottery, Sir John Corah Lodge and Blaby District Council.
Associated links:
» Voluntary Action Blaby District
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