Gardening for good
interests to keep on gardening. Susan said he told her: “The allotment saved my life – I never thought I would be part of a team again.
“Doctors should prescribe things like allotment projects rather than pills.” garden, sensory space, and woodland play area for the kids. Project founder Adele Turnball said: “Creating the project has provided a way to deal with the impact the pandemic has had on mental and physical health. It’s helping manage boredom, anxiety and fitness – and we all love how many calories digging consumes!”
92, with Wonky Garden bouquet
The Wonky Garden was established in 2017 by Angela Hayler, Sue Hulme and Amanda Prescott.
The three friends met at a yoga event while receiving treatment for cancer and, instead of returning to their day jobs, they decided to pool their knowledge and love of the great outdoors to give something back to the community.
Five fantastic projects now fall under their not-for-profit umbrella, based in Halton, Cheshire, including a hospital rehabilitation ward and two busy community centres in Widnes. The Wonky Garden has already encouraged volunteers to learn new skills, make friends and experiment with quirky ideas.
The group’s founders also found peace and solace in their own efforts, especially when Amanda lost her battle with cancer.
Angela, from Widnes, said of the pandemic: “We saw it coming and prepared ourselves. We identified the only location we could, and should, safely continue maintaining.”
Garden volunteers kept in touch via social media and two of their members – who are shielding after surgery – helped make bouquets which were then delivered to a local care home.
In Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, Human Roots Community Garden is a group allotment which aims to educate and empower the community.
Volunteers work closely with schools and care homes to get people interested in gardening, growing and healthy eating from an early age.
They have a big focus on helping children in low-income families who are at higher risk of health inequality.
Keiran Olivier, director and founder of Human Roots, said: “Since the pandemic, we have seen the need for support. We have helped local families at risk by delivering fresh produce to their doors with weekly recipes to support healthy lifestyle aims.”
In recent months, the number of opportunities for volunteers has increased and the group has started working with larger organisations to distribute food and introduce community cooking lessons, meal plans and recipe cards.