Over the summer 6 different community groups and around 100 families have been growing vegetables and herbs. These were given as small plants in April by our “Growing food, Growing Friends” project. We especially wanted to encourage people with no garden to grow plants in tubs.

On Sunday August 31 we held a picnic in the Forest Garden in Valentines Park for those who have taken part and other members of the community. We wanted to meet up again to see how everyone has got on in growing both food and friends. We brought food and drink to share (Including a huge pan of chai, which was very popular!) There were food demos and activities for children.

A stall gave away seeds ready for next year. We also had an informal workshop / conversation about what plants had grown well and not so well.

It was a fun, friendly afternoon.

Chatting  together and listening to lots of encouraging stories:

• Aliya had given plants to 20 families of children with Special Educational Needs. They had loved the opportunity to grow.

• Asif had created a vegetable garden at the Belgrave Road Mosque

• Gowthami had succeeded in growing mint and tomatoes on a balcony and encouraged 5 neighbours to do the same. Her whole family had caught the garfdening”bug”

• Salina had produced enough cucumbers and bottle gourds to keep her family supplied throughout the summer.

We are thinking about what Food related projects we could do next year. If you have any ideas and are interested to take part, then get in touch.