Supported by the RHS community outreach team, ShopWise customers will take the lead in gardening in the new space. Regular gardening sessions will run to develop a team of volunteers to care for the garden and grow food for the community as well as taking the time to connect with each other.
Volunteers have already taken part in a seed swap as part of RHS Grow With It, an annual programme designed to give year-round growing support, and are growing herbs, Swiss chard and strawberries. Workshops on vegetable growing, cooking, fruit tree pruning and seed collection are also planned.
Julie Jowett, RHS Senior Community Outreach Advisor, says:
“We hope this community garden will be a place where ShopWise customers and local people can grow together and share harvests in a beautiful space.”
Long-lasting community change
The specially trained RHS community outreach team works with community groups and schools to build their skills and inspire long-lasting community change. To learn more, visit our community outreach pages or contact our Senior Community Outreach Advisor Julie Jowett at [email protected].
To find out more about work-based training programmes delivered at all five RHS Gardens including the Level 3 and 4 Diploma in Horticulture Practice visit our work-based training pages or contact [email protected].