Shrubland Community Garden growers held a series of early-summer plant sales to raise funds for the garden, now entering its third summer. Over 20 varieties of edible veg, fruit, flowers and herbs were on offer, with advice and accompanying information leaflets available. The sale was scheduled to run between 11 and 1, but there were so many visitors and enthusiasm that it went on all afternoon, raising a grand total of £76.40 for the garden. At an average donation of 50p to £1 per plant – that’s a lot of pots!
The sale had another important purpose though, which was to generate interest in the garden locally, and this it did, with a more or less constant stream of visitors during the afternoon. Many people saw the gardens for the first time, signed up for plots and joined the waiting list for new plots when they are installed. Tea with home made biscuits and cakes completed a summery picture, after an unusually chilly and late start to the spring.
The occasion also provided a good opportunity for growers to work on their plots, carry out garden maintenance, and share growing tips and information with plant buyers and fellow plot-holders. A follow-up sale is planned for this coming Saturday 4th June, with still more plant varieties, and even some locally produced organic plant feed. Everyone is encouraged to drop in again, for plants, a cup of tea, or just a chat with their neighbours.
